The Queen of Aurum: The Heir of Aurum, #4

By Katherine J. Sinclair

What is the value of a single life?

Every girl fantasises about marrying the man of her dreams and living happily ever after, and while Ester has married the handsome prince and found a happiness in his arms, peace is still far from her reach. She still must contend with Erichthonius' ultimatum and protect those she loves. However, underestimating Erichthonius is a mistake that no one should have to endure.

As the people around Ester begin to fall victim to Erichthonius' wicked ways, the House of Aurum must act to save those still standing or risk losing everything. However, the task isn't as easy as it might seem and even Demetrius finds that he is not immune to his father's wrath. In fact, no one is immune and as the other houses are pulled into Ester's fight, they find themselves confronted with impossible choices and nothing but heart ache.

However, a light finds its way into Ester's heart and the promise of a bright future for the people of their nations gives her hope that not all is lost.

Will Ester find the peace she so desperately seeks, or will she be forced into her enemies arms?

The final book in the Heir of Aurum series.

NOTE: This book is intended for a mature audience. Some of the content may offend some readers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katherine J. Sinclair
• Release date: Jul 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223540373

Katherine J. Sinclair

About Katherine J. Sinclair Born in Brisbane Australia, Katherine was fortunate enough to spend most of her childhood exploring the rainforest and the great barrier reef in far northern Queensland. This environment has always been a great part of her inspiration, even while living and working in Canada. With a love for Fantasy and Romance novels, Katherine has always enjoyed writing and has taken inspiration from various different sources like; dreams, memories and her experiences. This book started as a dream and has developed over time. Katherine loved writing this book and hopes you have enjoyed reading it. Happy Reading! Email me at: [e-mail] Note: This is not an email list and no promotional material will be sent, sorry for any inconvenience.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Shock and sadness filled the eyes of everyone in the room, causing the world around them to become smaller than it ever had. The grief ran deep for many but no one felt it like Thibaud did. He had taken measures to secure the lives of those closest to him but he never considered this and the pain he felt was clear in his eyes.

It was obvious that something terrible had happened but no matter how hard he tried, Keilen couldn’t figure out what was wrong. His vision didn’t give him the details he wanted and he knew that he couldn’t force it. His vision was only giving him a glimpse of a place in time and while he had the intuition to take in as much as he could, the lack of information frustrated him.

The moment the vision released him, Keilen sat up in bed and looked around the quiet bedroom. He had only been married for three days and while Ester laid sound asleep beside him, he was still getting used to it and had to look at her twice. He couldn’t deny that he loved waking up beside her because he did but he had been on his own for longer than he would like to admit and it was going to take time to get used to the changes. He also knew that he was going to have to work harder to control the visions that came to him while they slept. However, learning to control his gift had never been an easy process and he was going to have to be patient.

As he watched Ester sleep for a moment, Keilen thought about what he had seen in his vision and the details he had taken in. He had an overwhelming feeling that whatever had happened to cause what he had seen in his vision, had already taken place and it would only be a matter of time before Thibaud found out, if he didn’t already know.

With a light sigh, he leaned over and gently kissed Ester on the forehead. His light touch caused her to stir, which prompted him to pause for a moment before he carefully slid out of the bed, leaving his sleeping beauty to rest. He then grabbed a pair of pants and a shirt from the closet and headed out into the living area. He wanted to know what had happened because he knew that it would adversely affect Ester and her family, and he wanted to be prepared to support her in any way he could.

Once he had pulled his pants up and secured them in place with a zipper and a button, he looked down at his wrist device and sighed. He had been hoping to see a message that he could link to his dream but found nothing, which frustrated him. He had expected to see something, even just a message suggesting an investigation. However, he had to reason with himself and thought that perhaps no one knew that something had happened, which wasn’t beyond reason. There had to be a reason to start an investigation and as he pulled his shirt over his head, and walked to the door, he promised himself that he would get to the bottom of it.

With the exception of the guards stationed outside of the rooms belonging to Ester’s family, the hall was quiet. While he knew that the scene that he had witnessed in his vision took place in the living room, where he had once played games with Ester and Sasha, Keilen knew that was not where he needed to start. He had to find Thibaud and prayed that the timeline had not shifted into something worse.

Have someone watch my wife until I return Keilen ordered the guards and watched as one of the guards quickly headed inside before he turned around and headed down the hall.

The distance between his quarters and Thibaud’s was nothing in comparison to the distance that had separated his quarters and his fathers on Cuprum. In fact, he wasn’t sure if there was anything further from his quarters on Cuprum than his father’s and in truth, he liked it that way. It was no secret that he and his father didn’t see eye-to-eye but despite their differences, they did love each other and, in the end, that’s all that really mattered.

I need to see his majesty Keilen said with an urgency in his voice that didn’t seem to have the effect he had hoped for.

His majesty is resting one of the guards said, looking at Keilen as if to challenge him.

At this hour, I don’t doubt it, however, I need to speak to him urgently Keilen said with a hardened edge to his voice. He knew that it was going to take time for the people of Aurum to except him, he was from a different house after all. However, in that moment he didn’t care, he needed to know what his vision was trying to tell him, especially if danger lurked.

I will let him know that you wish to speak with him the guard said bitterly, looking annoyed as he disappeared into Thibaud’s quarters, leaving Keilen to wait with the second guard.

As he released an impatient sigh, Keilen paced away from the door and pushed his fingers through his tangled hair. He wasn’t irritated or angry, he was just afraid that if he was wrong and the terrible event had not occurred, that precious minutes were ticking by. They could save whoever needed them and because of this fact, he couldn’t help looking over at the guard with a frown. It also worried him that, what he had seen in his vision, might not be the end of it and if that was the case, he needed to be by Ester’s side to protect her.

His majesty will see you now the guard said from the doorway, with an annoyed expression still painted on his golden face, as he watched Keilen pace back toward the door.

Without a word, Keilen pushed passed the guard and entered the dimly lit room. The room itself was more spacious and finely decorated than any of the others but to him, it lacked the soul he liked to add to his living spaces. He knew where every piece of art and furniture had come from in his quarters on Cuprum and he liked it that way. However, he also knew that Thibaud maintained a home somewhere else, which was probably more homely.

Is my daughter's bed not to your liking? Thibaud groaned, as he walked out into the living area, dressed in a golden dressing gown and a pair of black pants that barely covered his bare feet. He frowned at Keilen as he walked across the room and dropped down onto a comfortable looking armchair. He knew he shouldn’t have said that but he was tired and wished for nothing more than to curl up in his bed for at least a couple more hours.

I had a vision and while I may be wrong, it may have already come to pass Keilen said, as he paced over to where Thibaud was sitting and sat down in an armchair opposite the king but he didn’t relax, he couldn’t.

What did you see? Thibaud asked with a sigh, not sure if it had been worth waking him up for but he was awake and figured that he should at least listen to Keilen, he did have the gift of foresight after all.

Something terrible had happened but I don’t know what Keilen answered, as he tried to recall the details of his vision in his mind. Have you checked your messages?

Alayna? Thibaud gasped before he looked down at his wrist devise and began looking through his messages but found nothing of interest.

Alayna was a live in my vision Keilen said, recalling the fact that she had been trying to comfort Thibaud. It was something that you had not considered, something close to you.

Is Ester okay? Thibaud asked, glancing at Keilen with fear in his eyes and an underlying anger that threatened to spill over.

Someone is watching her Keilen told him but he hated the fact that he was not with her because he wanted to be the one by her side, not a guard she barely knew.

Then what could it be? Thibaud sighed, absently staring at a table as he considered what it could be. My mother is safe and my father... He then looked at Keilen with wide eyes before he jumped to his feet and began quickly typing a message on his device. He had been so focused on Alayna and Ester that he had not considered his fathers safety and feared that something might have happened to him, especially after what he had done.

It had been his father that Thibaud suspected had angered Erichthonius the most. He had engaged in a relationship with Lareina, which was evidently forbidden and the proof of that had walked his halls for hundreds of years. While Thibaud couldn’t blame Erichthonius for being angry, he had been angered by it himself, he just didn’t believe that he should have to pay for his father's mistakes.

When his father didn’t respond to his message, Thibaud dropped his hand to his side and stared at Keilen for a long moment. He needed to consider his options and what he was prepared to pay for his choice. He also needed to know what had happened before he came to the conclusion that he needed to pay any price at all, after all, why should anyone else suffer for his father’s mistakes. He then climbed to his feet and walked over to stand in front of Keilen with desperation in his eyes. I want you to read me he said, hating that he had to ask this of Keilen when he knew that it wasn’t right.

You know I can’t do that Keilen sighed, looking at Thibaud sympathetically.

Why? Thibaud questioned, irritated by the lack of information and the fact that he couldn’t think straight.

Because time is fluid, it can change Keilen answered, frowning at Thibaud because he wasn’t telling him anything new. And it is not guaranteed that I will see what you need me to see. He was also worried that he might see something he shouldn’t and despite what might be at stake, he couldn’t risk it.

With a deep sigh, Thibaud paced away from Keilen and stopped in front of the windows. Despite what his father had done, he desperately wanted to know if his father was okay but there was nothing more he could do. He had already messaged someone to check on him but this didn’t seem to be enough, not to him anyway.

Would you like me to leave? Keilen asked, glancing down at his own wrist device to see if he had received any messages but he hadn’t.

No, stay Thibaud answered, looking at Keilen’s reflection in the glass window in front of him with desperation in his eyes. I’ll have someone bring us some breakfast. He then gestured to one of the guards, who had been watching them from the other end of the room before he turned his attention back to the colourful creatures swimming before him.

A cup of tea sounds nice Keilen said absently but knew that the guard was listening and would ensure that the tea he wanted would be included with their breakfast.

Will there be anything else? the guard asked, holding his wrist device to his lips as he looked from Keilen to Thibaud.

Not at this stage Thibaud answered, as he impatiently glanced down at his own device, hoping to hear something from his father. He then turned around and gestured for Keilen to join him at the small table by the window. He felt like his entire world had been suddenly turned upside down and he had no idea what to do about it, all he could do was hope that his people and family were safe. However, he was certain that it was just wistful thinking. Your father told me that he was going to hand his crown to Athlai within the next couple of weeks. He needed to think of something other than his father and hoped that Keilen could help keep his mind busy.

I’ll probably need to attend the ceremony but I think it would be best if Ester stays here Keilen said, as he took a seat at the table.

I agree Thibaud said, knowing that Ester was safer within the confines of the Aurum palace, at least that’s what he told himself. Have you spoken to her about this?

Not yet Keilen sighed, certain that Erichthonius would be waiting for her to leave Aurum, giving him the opportunity he needed to get what he wanted. He knew that Thibaud had taken extra precautions but he also knew that Erichthonius was resourceful and he didn’t trust the power-hungry king. I’ll talk to her once my father has announced his intentions.

Both Keilen and Thibaud sat in silence as a man dress in a linen suit set the table and placed plates of food in front of them. They both had a lot on their minds and as the man poured Keilen some tea, his arm brushed up against Keilen’s. Keilen’s eyes then lit up with a vision, causing him to draw in a sharp breath.

What is it? Thibaud asked with hope in his voice, recognising the change in Keilen’s eyes. It wasn’t the first time he had seen the eyes of someone with the gift of foresight change and he knew what had just happened.

With a light sigh, Keilen looked at the man’s suit jacket, that had brushed against his arm and wondered why he wasn’t able to control his gift as well as he always had. He had never experienced so many random visions since he had married Ester and wondered if their bond had something to do with it.

Nothing important Keilen answered, knowing that the man’s private life was better off remaining private. Have you heard anything yet?

No Thibaud sighed, looking annoyed with the fact that they still didn’t have any new information and Keilen’s unwillingness to speak of his new vision.

I’m sure you will hear something soon Keilen said, not sure how true his words were but he wanted to put Thibaud’s mind at ease. He then watched as Thibaud took a piece of fruit from a plate and bit into the juicy treat, wishing that there was something he could do. However, it was in that moment, that a thought came to him and his face lit up with hope. Does your father have a security system you can access?

I believe so Thibaud answered with hope in his eyes, as he looked down at his device before quickly sending a message for one of his men to check his father’s security system. I should have thought of that. His voice was low and full of the disappointment he felt.

You have a lot on your mind Keilen said sympathetically, as he took a pastry from the dish in the middle of the table and placed it on the plate in front of him before taking a sip of his tea. You can’t be expected to carry the burden alone.

It is a king’s job to protect his people and right now, we are under threat and I’ll be damned if I let Erichthonius destroy any more lives than he already has Thibaud said with a deep frown, angry with the entire situation.

Just don’t forget that you have people here to help you Keilen pointed out, glancing at the guard in the corner to see him looking at a tablet with a grim look on his face. So let them help you.

I know Thibaud sighed, looking exhausted. He had been seeking advice from the Aurum council but no one had a definitive answer to Erichthonius’ demands. He had wanted to avoid losing his wife and his daughter again, and while he was certain that he had succeeded in saving Ester, he wasn’t so sure about Alayna and it was breaking his heart. And I am thankful for everything you have done. However, I need you to focus on my daughter because if anything happens to her, I will hold you responsible.

I have no intention of letting anything happen to her Keilen said reassuringly, annoyed with the fact that Thibaud would think that he would let Erichthonius touch Ester but he understood Thibaud’s apprehension. He then carefully placed his teacup on the table in front of him before he climbed to his feet and paced away from the table. You should probably do something about your brother too. Erichthonius holds too many cards and I doubt your father’s death would impose any punishment, at least nothing that would stop Erichthonius anyway.

As my daughter’s husband, you are next in line and if something were to happen to her, you would take her place Thibaud pointed out, as he watched Keilen walk over to the guard holding the tablet. So that pushes Naseem further down the line.

I have no intention of sitting on the Aurum throne without Ester, our children will succeed her and as for Naseem, I believe that is a threat that won’t just disappear with succession Keilen said, stopping in front of the guard before he held his hand out for the tablet. Let me see that.

The guard immediately looked to Thibaud for guidance. He wasn’t sure if he was permitted to just hand it over, and his distrust of Keilen’s intentions had him second guessing himself.

It’s fine Thibaud answered the guards unspoken question and watched as the guard handed Keilen the tablet with a slight scowl on his face.

With a frown on his face, Keilen paced away from the guard before looking down at the screen. He wasn’t sure what he really expected to see but as he watched the footage, his heart dropped into his stomach and he suddenly felt ill.

I’m sorry Thibaud... Keilen tried to tell Thibaud of his father’s death but was quickly cut off.

Who did it? Thibaud demanded, not sure if he wanted to believe that his father was dead and if he let Keilen say it, it might make it real.

A creature with silver eyes Keilen answered, knowing that Thibaud didn’t need to know who had died. He then handed the tablet back to the guard and waited for the guard to look at him. Review all the footage, before and after the event, and get me the identity of that creature. He knew that Thibaud would no longer be thinking straight, which was exactly what Erichthonius wanted and he would be damned if he was going to give Erichthonius anything at all. Wake Alayna and bring her in here, your king is going to need his queen.

The guard didn’t need Thibaud’s permission or approval to wake Alayna up. He could see the distraught in Thibaud’s eyes and knew that he was not himself. This made him feel confident in the fact that Keilen was right and he had no problems passing the message onto the guard currently responsible for