Downfall: Kingdoms of Sin, Book #1 Read online

  Downfall

  Kingdoms of Sin, Book #1

  Willow Aster

  Thank you, Christine Estevez, for this brilliant idea.

  Contents

  Preface

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Epilogue

  Exposed (Kingdoms of Sin #2)

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Willow Aster

  Downfall

  Kingdoms of Sin, Book 1

  Copyright © 2019 by Willow Aster

  Cover by Hang Le

  Photography by Wander Aguiar Photography

  Cover Model: Alex Clagett

  Editing: Christine Estevez

  Beta: Jennifer Mirabelli

  All rights reserved.

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trade-marked status and trademark owners of various products, bands, and/or restaurants referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trade-marks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Preface

  This book is a romance based entirely on fictional places. It is set in the present where there are monarchies in a world that doesn’t operate quite like ours. There are no dragons or fairies, but there is lust, greed, pride, and wrath…something that exists in any world and has since the beginning of time.

  Any mistakes I make in properly conveying royal practices and whatnot, I hope you will excuse and consider that in the kingdoms of Farrow, Niaps, Alidonia, and beyond, perhaps it’s just the way it is.

  List of Characters:

  Safrin Family of Farrow:

  Neil & Kathryn, father and mother

  Jadon, son of Neil and stepson of Kathryn

  Eden, daughter

  Ava, daughter

  Also in Farrow:

  Brienne Jarvis, bodyguard

  Catano Family of Niaps:

  Titus & Cecilia (Cece), father and mother

  Basile, brother to Cecilia

  Luka, son

  Mara, daughter

  Also in Niaps:

  Elias Lancaster, advisor to Titus

  Nearby country

  Forbrush Family of Yuman:

  Victros & Anais, father and mother

  Alex, son

  Nadia, daughter

  Farthing Family of Alidonia:

  Vance & Jonquil*, father and mother

  Omar, son

  Delilah, daughter

  Caulder, nephew, advisor to Vance

  *deceased

  Chapter One

  Today is the day I meet my future husband. It’s a sobering thought and one that resounds with each step on the ancient path that leads to the university my brother Jadon, my parents, and my grandparents attended before me. It’s as if I’ve stepped back in time to a place where cars and cell phones and jeans don’t exist, and horses and carriages and petticoats do. Kings Passage University looms just ahead; a foreboding castle with the flags of each country doing little to soften its features. Kings Passage has students from around the world: princes, princesses, emperors, empresses, the extremely wealthy, and the few who have an IQ of 170 plus.

  The flag of my country, Farrow, waves wildly on the right side of the entrance. I watch it proudly, admiring the way the colors stand out against the stone. To the left is the flag of Niaps, where I will call home as soon as I marry Luka Catano. I’ve never met Luka, but our parents have an arrangement—or should I say, we have an arrangement…thanks to our parents. I’ve studied everything I can about him, taking note of his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes, his startling blond hair. He is devastatingly beautiful. So beautiful it terrifies me. I feel quite lucky: if I have to be set up with someone I don’t even know, at least he isn’t hideous.

  But what if he doesn’t approve of me?

  I turn around and am tempted to run, but the view stops me. The beauty of Pravia is unlike anything I have ever seen. Having grown up in the snow for at least six months of the year, the way the sun glints off the water and the feel of the tropical breeze wreaking havoc on my hair seems like a world away from my home in Farrow. I swallow hard and forge ahead, tempted to grab my mother’s hand for comfort. I’ve never been the sort to do so—why start now?

  I’ve been trained to be a lady, a perfect wife, a smart conversationalist…a queen. My body has been conditioned to be fit and alluring and to be the ideal womb for many babies…as well as you can condition for that sort of thing. I’m not sure what more Kings Passage can teach me that hasn’t already been drilled into me by my tutors, but I think it’s my parents’ way of easing me into the marriage. Not that I’ve needed much coaxing. I’m ready, unlike my younger sister Ava, who denounces all things ladylike and noble. It’s my responsibility being born into royalty, to do my part to carry on the traditions set before me. I’m ready for all of it, I think again and this time I feel my cheeks heat. The thought of being intimate with Luka is something I’ve tried not to obsess over, but it’s hard to stop thinking about it.

  “You’re awfully quiet, dear. And you’re looking flushed—what did I tell you about wearing sunscreen? You will burn in minutes out in this sun and freckle right up. Take my umbrella.” Mother passes the umbrella and I dutifully carry it to block out the sun.

  I did put on sunscreen and don’t tell her I’m flushed imagining Luka Catano naked.

  * * *

  For centuries, Kings Passage was the metropolis of higher learning for royalty. A university for the future kings and queens of the world; it eventually expanded to a more diverse group but has retained the nostalgia of the past, while also staying cutting edge with
modern technology and innovation. It is linked to the city of Pravia by a mile-long stone plank that can lift if necessary, creating its own island. Many people flock to Pravia in hopes of gaining employment at Kings Passage, but as soon as one enters the doors of Kings Passage, the noise of the city dies down, the pace slows, and if wealth were a smell, it would reek to high heaven.

  Once we’re inside, I stare transfixed at the ornate paintings on the massive ceilings until my mother takes hold of my elbow. I lower my head to see three people bowing and curtsying to her. My parents rule over Farrow and I’m used to seeing people bowing before them, but somehow I thought it might be different here.

  Introductions are made, and Dean Hightower steps forward.

  “Princess Eden, at your mother’s request, Miss Brienne from your family court will show you to your quarters.”

  I look at the girl, who appears to be around my age, maybe older. She’s taller than me, head lowered to avoid eye contact. I greet her and she nods politely at the floor. I vaguely remember her serving as a guard for my mother, but I never gave it much thought.

  “Should you need anything, Miss Brienne will be able to attend to your every need,” Dean Hightower says.

  I sigh loudly and my mother gives me a stern look. I give her one back—she didn’t tell me she was sending someone to look after me.

  “Say the word and she will also give you privacy, should you want it. It is not our desire to be overbearing, but we also want you to feel at home here at Kings Passage. And safe.” His tone reassures me.

  The last thing I want is to be watched all the time. This was supposed to be a break from that. But the word safe is a reminder that I will always have a bodyguard close by. I study her. She’s approaching six feet tall, and although willowy thin, she certainly looks as if she can protect me; hopefully, we won’t have to find out.

  “Thank you,” I say.

  She lifts her eyes to me and I nod.

  “Supper will be served at seven o’clock. We are so honored that representatives from every country will be in attendance this evening. A tradition long-standing at Kings Passage. I do hope you get some rest before then, as the festivities usually go well into the night.”

  “We look forward to celebrating with you,” my mother says kindly.

  She is a beautiful, graceful woman, and the dean flushes a bit when she smiles at him.

  We follow Brienne to my room. It’s on the second level in the east wing, overlooking the ocean. I barely notice the spacious room with ornate furniture, looking at the vast blue-green water outside my window. I step onto the balcony and inhale the salty air. If everything else goes wrong, this view will be my haven.

  * * *

  The time drags before supper. Mother insists I take a nap while she leaves to rest and get ready at her hotel. I try to appease her, but sleep won’t come. I’m too excited to see Luka. Brienne draws a bath for me—I don’t even have anyone do that for me at home—and asks if she can do my hair. I show her a picture of the elaborate rose braid I want—it’s actually called the Eden, not just in Farrow but around the world. I wore my hair that way to my prom and it has become my signature style. There are several variations.

  “I’ve been practicing,” she says shyly. “With your red hair, it’s the perfect style for you.”

  “Thank you,” I respond, surprised she’s so vocal now that we’re alone. “For tonight, I would like half of it in the rose and the rest of it in loose waves.”

  Brienne nods briskly. Her fingers move skillfully through my hair; she’s done her homework. My hair is artwork when she’s done. I thank her and ten minutes before my mother is set to arrive and escort me to dinner, I slip into my raw silk mauve dress. The neckline is lower than what I wear at home, but with the beaded and embroidered rosettes covering any cleavage, my mother won’t make me change. I’ll save those dresses for when she goes home.

  Queen Kathryn arrives right at seven, ensuring we’ll make a grand entrance. She kisses my cheeks and fawns over my dress and hair. I have no doubt I will miss her, but right now I can only focus on one thing: Luka.

  “Exquisite,” she murmurs, holding an arm out for me to take.

  As we walk to the Great Hall, the anticipation is so thick I feel like I’m swimming in it. Two guards open the doors wide as we approach. I’m accustomed to us being announced, but here we enter without fanfare, and I’m grateful for it. It gives me time to look around the bustling banquet hall. A dignitary from Sojana stops my mother and I keep moving, searching the room.

  I see his mother first and feel my nerves instantly kick up a notch higher. Queen Cece is even more beautiful in person and when she turns to me and smiles, my steps falter. She smiles wider and I walk toward her. When I reach her, she holds out her hands and grasps mine.

  “Princess Eden, such a beauty.” Her eyes shift behind me and she smiles wider. “Son, it’s time you met your future.”

  I turn and look up into the eyes of Prince Luka of Niaps. His jawline is chiseled rock and seems to tighten even more as he looks at me. His eyes reach down inside me like they know every thought I’m thinking. His jaw ticks, one, two, three beats, and then he smiles. He reaches for my hand and I instantly sweat, feeling the heat between us.

  “Hello, future,” he says, his smile widening as he sees my quick intake of air. “I’d recognize that red hair and those innocent blue eyes anywhere.” He kisses my hand and holds it in his. When he nods, I realize he’s waiting for me to respond.

  “Oh, hello. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  “Your babies will be glorious,” his mother says, clapping her hands twice.

  My eyes widen and he drops my hand.

  “Mother,” he says with an edge to his voice that has me looking between the two of them.

  She waves him off and holds her arm to me. “I’m just saying what everyone else is thinking. I believe we’re at the same table. Why don’t we go sit down?”

  “I’ll be there in a bit. I need to say hello to some friends first,” Luka says, motioning to a group behind him.

  It takes everything in me not to wilt to the floor. My nerves are shot.

  “Luka,” Cece’s voice lowers. “They can wait.”

  “Yes, Mother,” he says.

  We walk to the table and my mother joins us a few minutes later. Our mothers chat and Luka sits next to me, silent. I hear Cece saying something about how my beauty shouldn’t be hidden away in Farrow and I feel my mother stiffen next to me. She smiles, but it’s not a friendly smile.

  Luka leans in and when I feel his breath on my ear, I don’t move an inch. Heat rushes to my face and I resist the urge to lean in closer to him.

  “How does it feel to only be seen as the uterus of a future prince?” he asks.

  I gasp and try to face him, the venom in his voice making me shiver, but he’s too close to move. His lips touch my ear and I swallow hard.

  “I’m guessing you’re used to being the most beautiful girl in the room. You are very pretty,” he whispers, “but take a look around…you’re just one of many here.” His fingers run along my arm and I shiver. He smiles against my skin. “We’ll have to see what you’re made of, Eden…”

  Chapter Two

  I was ravenous before I came, but now my appetite is gone. I don’t even try to eat; my stomach threatens to turn at any second. I take small sips of water to try to dislodge the lump in my throat. It doesn’t work. Luka eats everything on his plate and when I don’t touch my food, he motions to my plate with his brows raised. I push it toward him and he demolishes it. According to the Internet, he’s six foot three and weighs two hundred pounds. I’ve stared at pictures of him shirtless for hours, wondering what he does to look like a sculpted god, what he must eat to keep fit. Now I know that he eats like a pig.

  When plates are cleared, I look at everyone around the table. “It’s been a lovely evening. I think the trip is catching up with me. I’m going to head to my room now.”

  �
��You can’t leave yet, Eden!” My mother puts her hand on my arm. “The dance,” she says under her breath. “At least wait for one dance.”

  “Maybe I’ll catch some fresh air then and come back in a few minutes.” I stand up and avoid looking at Luka as I turn around.

  I walk toward the glass doors on the other side of the room, hoping they’re unlocked. There’s a large balcony that overlooks the sea just outside and I exhale in relief when I’m able to open the door and walk out. The breeze carries the smell of salt water mixed with the fragrant trellises of jasmine. I stand there and breathe it in. The sound of the waves calms me.

  When my thoughts take me to Luka, I push him back out. If I think about him, I’ll panic. And nothing about the way I’ve been conditioned for this marriage allows for panic. My country needs the Catano wealth; Catano needs our oil. Only Sojana exports more oil than Farrow and all of their princesses are already married. I’m not sure it would matter if they had a princess to marry off—the Catanos and Safrins are certain that our union will fortify our countries more than anything else could. It seems Luka might be the only one who isn’t convinced…and even if he is, he’s not happy about it.