Read Online Goddess of War by K. N. Lee - Free Book Online Page A

loss in the coliseum earlier, he was in a foul mood.
    How did a woman defeat him?
    He’d trained with some of the best swordsmen in the entire world. The shame of such an embarrassing loss would cling to him forever.
    “Why the solemn face, Aric? You’re supposed to be celebrating with me,” Arela said.
    His sister was right. Aric was supposed to be enjoying himself, or at least pretending to enjoy himself. He gripped the stone of the balcony.
    “I’m sorry, Arela. I really am glad to have made it home in time to celebrate with you.”
    The truth was, just three weeks ago, Aric had killed his first man. Father was right. There were those out there that wanted him dead. Being born with even a tiny measure of god-like power, and he was hated by those that didn’t even know him.
    Aric had never been hated before. He’d also never been ran into with a dagger.
    The wound was healing, but the memory would hurt him forever.
    “I am so glad that you’re home,” Arela said, hugging his side.
    Aric smiled at her and turned his gaze to the guests that poured into the courtyard in the center of Rhene’s gardens.
    They all wore elaborate masks just as Princess Arela requested.
    “Well,” Arela said putting her hand into his. “Let’s go down there and meet some of the guests.”
    Aric nodded, and led his sister down the stairs from the balcony.
    Aric did enjoy the smell of the food being prepared, and the scent of flowers once they were outside. He started to feel at home. Tall covered torches lit the area, and musicians played soft music with their instruments.
    “They could use some drums out here,” Aric said.
    Arela nudged him. “You complain too much. Did you know that? I know you saw a lot out there during your travels, but you are home now. Enjoy what home has to offer.”
    Aric’s brows furrowed at his younger sister’s keen assessment of his attitude, but he kept silent as they stood on the stairs that led to the courtyard.
    Arela was right.
    Besides, he needed to prepare himself…for her .
    It didn’t take the people of Rhene to notice them. People started making their way closer to get a better look. They smiled up at him, eager for him to come down to their level.
    With a sigh, Aric took the last few steps down.
    “Hello, Prince Aric,” an older woman with too much red rogue on her lips said the instant she was in his range. She pushed her daughter before him. “This is my daughter, Liza. She just turned sixteen this summer.”
    The girl looked younger than sixteen, with long brown hair and a body that was much thinner than his preference for women.
    Aric nodded. “Good to meet you. You’ll excuse me,” he said with a nod to Liza before sidestepping her.
    “She wasn’t that bad, Aric,” Arela said as they made their way through the crowds that bowed their heads in his presence.
    “She’s too young.”
    Arela snorted. “You’re only twenty-one. The gap isn’t that noticeable.”
    “Then she wasn’t pretty enough.”
    “No one is pretty enough for you.”
    Right. No one except the girl with the eyes the color of storm clouds.
    “Mother and father will find you a wife if you don’t hurry and find one of your own,” Arela said with a grin. “They might just choose Liza.” She laughed.
    Aric stopped walking. Arela stopped beside him.
    “What is it?” Her eyes followed his gaze.
    Aric heard the arrival of Prince Eryon and his guest. He glanced up at them, but his eyes fixed on the girl at Prince Eryon’s side.
    There she was. It had to be her. Dressed in a lavender gown and mask, nothing could hide her from him.
    He urged her to look at him. It was all that he had waited for those past three years.
    That kiss.
    Aric had dreamt about it almost every night.
    When her gaze met his he felt that same powerful connection that made the hairs on his skin stand on end.
    Before he realized what he was doing, he was walking directly toward her.
    Her eyes widened when he stood before her, Arela