You are the sole heir to your small and peaceful kingdom. When the Palamecians attacked, they stripped you off a father, a mother, a home, and an identity. 11 years have passed since the invasion, and you have managed to survive, training yourself and honing yourself to become a living, walking weapon. And when you embark on the quest to regain your throne, the whole world is turned upside down when allies become enemies, foes become friends, and you might even end up falling in love with complete strangers.

Darkness is creeping in from the edges of the empire. A threat that has been all but lost to history is rising again. Cassia Auralius is the first female Heir of the Empire of Metus to not abdicate her right to the throne. Behind her is a line of warrior-kings and sacred laws. Before her is an uncertain future painted in blood. Opposed by her father and challenged by her brothers, Cassia must first prove herself worthy of the throne gifted by the gods. Ancient trials--trials she must not fail--will test her strength, both of her mind and her heart. The first trial--three long travel years cut off from her family and her own nobility--will soon begin. If Cassia can survive, she will be one step closer to her throne. A throne that will soon be under a threat she could never have imagined. Cassia will need allies, both common and strange to defeat this threat. If she fails in this, she will lose not only her throne, but her empire. Amazing cover by @StormRidden Copyright © 2019