Lady Evania Marsiley lost her brother, Myron, in a brutal war that had been waged for years. Still grieving his loss, she writes her Auntie—Queen Calinne—and offers to support diplomatic efforts at resolving the war. During the war, she was a healer, tending wounded soldiers from both sides. In a twist of fate, the queen orders Evania to marry an Altian nobleman. Upon his arrival, she discovers her bridegroom is the notorious Butcher of Ijov. Together, they travel through war-pocked territories and besieged cities to his estate to prepare for the official end of the war.
In every direction, there are perils of war—battles, cities set ablaze, assassins meting revenge.
Can she overcome her grief by working with a bitter enemy and secure peace?
Lord Tabbert Persungen has fought a gruelling war for eight years. He lost his father to it and nearly lost one of his brothers. Knowing both kingdoms face ruin with each passing day, he goes deeper into debt to secure the bride price of a Fenstingnian noblewoman. When he sails into Port of Fensting, he spots an emaciated woman on the pier, and he’s convinced the Fenstingnians are trying to pass off a half-starved farm girl as his bride.
Blocked from returning to his native Altia by a naval battle, Tabbert meets his brothers on shore and travels with them and Evania overland to his estate. At Charin, he sends a prayer to the true and proper gods, but a false god answers, setting in motion a series of events that threaten every kingdom.
Committed to peace with Fensting, can he learn to trust Evania with the most closely guarded secret in all the realms?
Tropes: romantasy, altar diplomacy, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, strong heroine, noble hero, trek, idiots in love, mistaken identity, found family.
The author uses British spelling.
Medium spice.
