Chapter One
‘Tell me again why I have to die.’
Jaxon Tangshi, the Senior Forecaster, chanced a swift glance at his regent’s profile. Adaeze was magnificent.
Jaxon approved of the proud eagle’s beak of her nose, her golden brows, the square jut of her chin. Along the coppery skin of her neck, veins as blue as lapis pulsed with energy and her biowires gleamed like polished bronze. Her gold-and-brown hair was braided intricately behind her head, drawing her skin taut across the flawless bones of her face. The high collar of her gilt-broidered tunic protected her nape, and a close-fitting vest of threaded gemstones provided a glittering armour that emphasised the glorious curves of her breast and her slim, flexible waist. He noted tigers eye, citrine, ruby, onyx, and topaz. A wide leather b
