Novels by Ela May

 "Rora, what's going on?" she asked, concern etched on her face as I watched her wave her hands in front of me. She was trying to rouse me from my thoughts, but my mind was still stuck on the king and our enigmatic conversation in the garden.Soka's dark skin glistened in the dim light of the kitchen, her curves accentuated by the simple white dress she wore. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, but I detected a hint of sadness lurking beneath. "Where did you go?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "Just lost in thought, that's all." But Soka wasn't buying it. She knew me too well. "Who is he?" she asked, her voice low and conspiratorial as she dried the wooden bowl with a towel. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I tried to play dumb. "Who?"Soka rolled her eyes, her thick braids swaying with the motion. "Don't give me that, Aurora. I know the look, and this is definitely it." She was ri

Under the royal poinciana's vibrant orange blooms, he stood expectant, his hands clasped behind his back. As I entered the garden, his eyes locked onto mine, and he spoke my name, "Aurora," for the fifth time, his voice low and husky. I couldn't help but shoot him an annoyed glance, my patience wearing thin."I didn't mean to lie to you," he said, closing the distance between us, his stride confident and purposeful. I felt a flutter in my chest as he drew near, his shadow engulfing me and blocking out the warm sunlight."So, what exactly did you mean to do?" I snapped, my tone sharper than intended. Realising my rudeness, I collected myself, hanging my head in a subtle nod.He sighed, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "I do it all the time. Sometimes I just need a little escape from being...all this." He gestured to his royal attire. "That day, we talked t felt like we were friends. I haven't had that in years." His voice dropped, taking on a vulnerable tone. "I can disguise myself and

Zao POV"Tradition is tradition. We do not know better than our fathers," Miniter Stan said calmly, stroking his silver beard in a attempt to appear unruffled. The others nodded eagerly, whispering among themselves in agreement. Kibi, however, shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting towards them with a hint of unease.I've seen men like him before - intelligent and innovative, but born with ideas too revolutionary for their time. These conversations are futile, I thought to myself. No matter how much I might desire to challenge their outdated beliefs and wipe the smug looks off their faces, I am bound by my position. As king, I possess veto power only in matters of war, and even then, the council's influence is not to be underestimated.The weight of tradition and the council's resistance to change hung in the air, a palpable force that stifled progress and silenced dissenting voices. I knew that to challenge them would be to risk everything, and yet, a part of me yearned to break fre

Aurora POV"Aurora." His voice was unmistakable, that deep but soft timbre echoing through the corridor. My first instinct was to keep moving, to escape the sudden tension building in my chest. But, of course, I couldn't. I was just a palace maiden, bound by duty and protocol. So, I turned around, bowing my head in the usual royal courtesy. "Your Highness," my voice sounded shaky to my own ears.I saw his shadow move closer, his presence looming over me like a dark cloud. Within seconds, he was standing right in front of me, so close I could smell his scent - a subtle blend of sandalwood and citrus. My heart raced, my mind reeling with conflicting emotions.uuu"Aurora," he said again, his voice softer, more intimate. I bowed my head further, avoiding his gaze. "Please, Aurora, speak to me," he added, his tone suddenly timid."Yes, Your Highness, what would you like me to speak about?" I replied, trying to keep my voice neutral, my head still bowed. His presence was already flooding my

Aurora Pov Princess Deze, resplendent in her red gown, glided towards the table, her eyes locked onto King Zao's imposing figure. Her boldness was tempered with respect, her composure unwavering as she approached him. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice like music, "I request the pleasure of my maiden, Aurora, joining us at the table." King Zao's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded graciously, his gaze flicking towards me. "Of course, Princess". He didn't show any sign of knowing me, he barely looked at me. I felt a flutter in my chest as I took my place at the far end of the table, trying to blend into the background. The King and Princess Deze sat at the head of the table, their conversation flowing like a gentle stream. The food arrived, a sumptuous feast of dishes from both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms. Steaming plates of jollof rice, fragrant with tomatoes and spices, sat alongside delicate bowls of egusi soup, its melon seeds glistening like tiny jewels. Suya sk

-Past Time- Aurora POV The palace was abuzz with the Princess's daring fashion sense, a stark contrast to the modest attire of the kingdom's females. Her deep necklines, vibrant hues, and bold headpieces had already inspired some nobles to revamp their wardrobes. At her first lunch with the palace's female nobles, she wore a stunning, hugging dress with a train and deep V, captivating every female present - except Eni, the daughter of the King's top minister and potential king consort after Princess Deze marries King Zao. The scene unfolded like a delicate dance, with the Princess gracefully gliding into the grand hall, her dress shimmering in the light. The nobles parted, their eyes fixed on her, as she made her way to the table. I watched with bated breath, my hands trembling slightly as I adjusted the delicate silverware. The Princess's confidence was infectious, and soon, the room was filled with laughter and chatter, the nobles eager for her attention. Lady Eni, however, r