Born For Silk by Nicci Harris

A thousand years of climate change, genetic engineering, and war destroyed civilisation as it was. From the remains came the age of The Trade and The Crown. In return for resources, security, and a meaningful purpose, citizens accepted a life of service to the new world.

Young Aster is no different. If selected, she will be the King's Silk Girl. A common human bred to adore and pleasure him, and to provide The Cradle with healthy babies for The Trade.

Adore. Pleasure. Provide.
That is her Meaningful Purpose.

But King Rome is more monster than man. As the heir of the genetically enhanced breed, he was designed to survive and rule this harsh new world. Through fear. Through intimidation. Rome has a heart as black as his giant pet eagle's wings and a singular obsession—to reign.

That stands until one day Aster puts her tiny human hand in his...

Now she occupies his mind...

But The Trade upholds that love is not a virtue, and instead, a weakness. Nothing could be more dangerous to the regime than having its merciless king obsessed with a common girl Born For Silk.