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Category: Erotica/Erotic Fantasy/Romance
Description: Sometimes, a Goddess is more human than a human is? Chosen by Gods and cursed by fate, Amaranth, the sacred virgin of the Sun Temple, is destined to consort the ruthless warlord Shanrakhan, as his war prize. But before Shanrakhan could take her virginity, his enemies kidnap Amaranth and pierce her heart with the Star of Hecave, an ancient amulet that freezes her in a dreamless slumber for thousands of years? Graeme Darin, an ex-admiral of Imperial Arcova Fleet is on the run when he realises the ship he and his crew stole carries a secret archaeological relic--a tomb of a fabled goddess. Out of curiosity, Graeme removes the amulet. To his surprise, the cold body of the goddess springs back to life. With the Imperial Armada on their tail, Graeme faces problematic dilemmas between keeping his crew safe and his growing attraction to Amaranth. But can a mortal man resist a Goddess' seduction?
eBook Publisher: Total-e-bound, 2011
eBookwise Release Date: October 2011

2 Reader Ratings:

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [92 KB]
Words: 17740
Reading time: 50-70 min.

It all had been a sham.

The prophecy. The life she had been living. And tonight, when the Great Khan finally took her maidenhead, he would see who she really was. The High Priest Mamnon had told her numerous times her worries were unfounded. But Amaranth couldn't shake the heavy weight on her shoulders. Some said the truth would set you free. But if Shanrakhan ever discovered the truth, the only thing that would be set free was her head from her neck.

Amaranth sat straight on the edge of the bed, her hands on her lap and her fingers laced together, intertwined in knots. Her nerves were strung tight like an overstretched harp string ready to snap. As much as she tried to relax, she just couldn't. She dreaded her fate, wishing she wasn't the hetai, the chosen one. Born and bred to consort with a ruthless man.

She exhaled a deep breath and caught a glimpse of her own reflection in the mirror. The young woman in white regalia stared back accusingly.

Fraud.

Amaranth tore her gaze away. She couldn't stand seeing the mask of lies she had been forced to put on all these years. Others might have revered her as the incarnation of the Sun God and bequeathed her with a pampered life since birth. But truth be told, she was nothing but the High Priest's puppet.

Outside her room, people were still celebrating. The cacophonous music and the revelries of Shanrakhan's warriors seeped through her windows. Once in a while, she heard the loud shouts of the Great Khan himself, followed by thunderous laughter from his men, clapping and cajoling their overlord. The Khan was probably half-inebriated. Earlier, when Amaranth had peeked outside, she'd seen him drinking endlessly while fondling two semi-naked wenches beside him. Amaranth wished he would pass out from the drink. But it was highly unlikely. Shanrakhan was a man who could take his liquor. Besides, his prowess in bed was legendary. If she had been granted the luxury of her own choice, she wouldn't have chosen to give her body to him and spend the rest of her life as his plaything. She craved true love.

From a man who would love her unconditionally...

Amaranth was startled when someone knocked at the door. It must be her maid. She'd asked for a glass of water while she waited for Shanrakhan. "Come in," she said in a choked voice, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. Renegade tears streamed down her cheeks nevertheless. Amaranth quickly wiped them with her sleeves. She didn't want anybody to see she was crying. After all, it was a joyous occasion for her people.

Several men stormed in and the next thing she knew, someone had sneaked behind her and covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming. Her dread turned to terror. She struggled but she was overpowered. The men who held her were far too strong.

Several faces emerged before her. Their expressions were cold. Solemn. Like anger masked in stone. She recognised one of them, Orion Thane, the High Priest's Chief of Acolytes. Orion loathed her. He'd always shadowed her every move, and when no one was around, he had always watched her with a look as if he knew her deepest secret.

"Please..." she begged him, her voice muffled by a man's palm. "Don't hurt me."