Jeffrey's thoughts were spinning as he tried to understand, to process. "What happens if there were no heirs? What would happen to the magic?"
"Hmm, there has always been an heir. But if there wasn't, I imagine the magic might simply return to Gaia."
"But if it was originally one piece that was broken apart, would it not try and fit itself back together?"
"It might. But if only one of three didn't have an heir, it would have to split itself again."
"Or make one stronger than the other."
Aedinia stayed quiet, continuing to draw soothing patterns on Jeffrey's back.
"What about the curse?"
"Ah. The infamous ascension curse. What do you think it is?"
"When the magic transfers from father to son, it changes them. It seems to be able to take control and make them do things against their will. Getting worse with each transfer. Akoni was affected by it. When I returned to the palace, he was...different. But then he changed again."
"Your presence affects him. Somehow your magic links to his and does something to ease it."
"Surely other kings have met one of our ancestors. How is it this never happened until now?"
"I don't know."
"So, whether I want to or not, I am tied to him because of both our magics."
"Would that be such a hardship? I can see how much you like him."
"Being with him isn't a hardship. Being the king's consort?" Jeffrey blew out a breath.
"Sweetheart, you were raised as a Trevino. You were always going to spend a large part of your life at the palace. Even if Gaius had lived and taken your father's seat on the council, you'd have been one of his closest allies. And in court, everyone needs allies. You will make an excellent consort."
"You know, I hate the term."
She hummed. "Why is that?"
Jeffrey shrugged. He didn't actually have a reason he could explain.
"Would you prefer a different term? Boyfriend? Partner?"
Jeffrey shook his head. Those would be worse.
"What about husband?"
"We aren't married."
"Yet. Has he tried?"
Jeffrey scowled. "How...?"
"I may have missed much of your life, but you are my son, and I know you well. You turned him down?"
"He hasn't proposed exactly, it was more a general thing about marriage. I told him if he asked, I would decline."
"And what is your reason?"
"At the time we only had a single date. We've made it to two now."
Aedinia laughed. "Do you think dating is important before being married? What if your father and I had arranged a marriage for you and you had never met the person? Would you have declined because of a lack of dates?"
"You'd never have forced me to marry someone I didn't know."
"Maybe. But it is still a common practise among the nobility. Tell me then, what do you think would change if you went on more dates?"
"I don't know. We'd get to know each other better."
"And spending days trekking through mountains on your own isn't enough time to get to know each other? Spending time at this temple where neither of you have any real responsibilities?"
"He's spending all his time training with Tiana."
"During the day. And at night you're alone with him. Do not tell me you aren't making use of the time. Two young men like yourselves." She grinned at him.
Jeffrey groaned at the thought of his mother analysing his bedroom activities.
"Let go, Jeffrey. Trust your heart."
"My heart isn't in the best shape to be trusting anyone."
"My sweet boy, heartbreak comes to all of us. He will help you heal better than anyone or anything else. And you will need each other in the times ahead."
Jeffrey stared at her, wondering what she meant.
"When you were young, I often read to you. There were stories of Pyros, too. Do you remember them?"
"Of course. The god of Pyros who made mountains explode and spat fire when angered."
"Yes. He was also a patron of smiths and soldiers, protecting and championing them--"
"Wait. He's a god of fire. Like Volcanis, the god whom the rebels follow. Are they the same?"
"In a manner of speaking. The god of Pyros was also known as Vulcanis or Volcanis. But the rebels have twisted him into something horrendous. They offer living sacrifices to the flames to honour him. Burning entire towns if they cannot convert them. It is but one of many atrocities they commit. They must be stopped."
"And you think Akoni and I can do that?"
"I know it. I've seen it. Gaia needs you to fight on her behalf."
Jeffrey blew out a long breath, wondering what he had got himself into. For years he'd been running from his past, and now it had caught up with him, ran him over, and turned his entire world upside down. In a short space of time, everything had changed. Not only was he living as a noble again, but he was a descendant from Adriano himself. With magic of his own, likely the reason Akoni's magic reacted in Jeffrey's presence. A twist of fate to get them together? The goddesses' way of fixing what had been broken for too long? Who could say.
Even without his mother's hints, Jeffrey had a suspicion becoming Akoni's consort would not be the end of their trial. If nothing else, there was an empire on the brink of civil war to deal with. Possibly also fanatics of a new god to handle.
At least, it seemed his family had forgiven him, and the goddesses were either being lenient or reserving judgement for a later day. Whichever it was, he'd make use of the time given him.
The series continues in Book 3
Ties of Empire
Coming soon
Glossary
Sycania - the empire
Vicini - south-western peninsula, home to Adriano the conquerer
Ascoia - southern region
Calenatis - western region
Ravogenis - central region
Forsavallum - northern region
Stormlands - the eastern region, ravaged by frequent storms and tidal waves (also called Morterras)
Common tongue
Scrut - derogatory term for someone from the northern Clans
Praeceptor - a teacher, scholar, master craftsman/tradesman
Language of the Western Isles:
Veraco - Owner of an escort slave
Characters
The nobles:
Akoni Faustus - Crown Prince of Sycania (has begun his ascension to the throne, it won't complete while his father lives)
Claudia Faustus - Akoni's mother, Queen of Sycania
Luciano Faustus - Akoni's father, King of Sycania
Ignacio Ferro - advisor to the prince
Melanthios Argyros - a good friend and ally of the prince
Valentin Artiz - nephew to Claudia and cousin to Akoni
Jeffrey Trevino - crownsguard, personal guard to the prince, heir to the Trevino estate
Aedinia Trevino - Jeffrey's mother
Kendra Trevino - Jeffrey's sister, running the Trevino estate since their father's death
Fabrizio Trevino - Jeffrey's late father
The noble council members
Maxim Dragomis
Santino Ursinus
Lorin Cassius
Kaeso Leandros
The Priestesses
Pia - High Priestess at Pyros
Tiana - High Priestess at Sanctuary
The soldiers, servants and staff:
Paul Marshal – typically called the marshal - tutor to the prince, legendary fighter, prefect of the crownsguards and palaceguards
Kieron - crownsguard, personal guard to the prince
Ryan - crownsguard, personal guard to the prince
Faruk - queensguard
Fortier - legate of the crownsguard and palaceguards
Hendrick - the prince's servant
Tiago - an escort slave from the wester isles
Paavo - the royal physician, praeceptor (teacher)
Toby - ro
yal physician apprentice
Ivy - Toby's sister, servant to Paavo
Gazis - physician in the service of Lord Argyros
Luke - hired as estate manager for the Trevino estate
Historical characters
Lux Sentius - a noble from Akoni's childhood
Kalisha Sentius - a noble from Akoni's childhood
Tarquinius - ruled as King around two hundred years ago
Vitus -Tarquinius's son
Adriano the conquerer - founded the Sycanian empire eight hundred years ago
Diana - Adriano's wife
Nero - Adriano's son
Valencia - Adriano's daughter and first born
Constanca - Adriano's daughter and youngest child
Valerian - Constanca's son
Terra - Constanca's daughter
Exclusive
Get a free and exclusive story from the Curse of the Crown series.
Chains of Punishment
A disobedient soldier. A handsome captain. A relentless enemy force. But is the enemy the only danger?
Jeffrey fights for the present and keeps his past a secret. The only joy in his life comes in the form of a handsome captain, the only man able to deal with Jeffrey's disobedience.
Yet, the secrets of Jeffrey's past haunt him. What if the price for his mistakes isn't his to pay?
Find out more about Jeffrey's life before he becomes a crownsguard in this short story prequel in the Curse of the Crown series.
Join my newsletter where I share monthly updates on my writing progress, which may at times include exclusive content (like deleted scenes or snippets, cover reveals, etc.), as well as letting you know of new releases and special offers.
As a sign up gift, I'll send you Chains of Punishment, for free. Sign up here.
About the Author
Caitlin Taylor lives in the west of Ireland – that is, until the rain stops being a good enough excuse to stay indoors with a good book and mug of hot cocoa! She has lived in Germany as well as Canada, loves travelling and exploring foreign places and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Reading has always been a beautiful escape for her and she has been creating fantastical worlds in her head for as long as she can remember.
With a focus on LGBT+ characters, expect a mix of different genres and elements. There will be fantastical worlds to get lost in, adventures (maybe while chasing bad guys), sword fighting (other types of battle not excluded), magic in its beautiful and varied forms, queer romances and whatever else my crazy muses decide to throw at me.
Website: CaitlinTaylorBooks.com
Facebook: Caitlin Taylor
Instagram: caitlintaylorbooks
Email: [email protected]
Did you enjoy this book?
Let me know by leaving a review and make a difference.
Honest reviews help my books gain visibility and bring them to the attention of other readers who may like them.
So, if you enjoyed this book, I'd be grateful if you could spend a few moments leaving a review at your favourite site.
Thank you very much.
Ties of Magic (Curse of the Crown Book 2) Page 28
