The Willows Weep

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(Backup of unedited first draft)

Aster Verde is the daughter of Ingis, an extremist preacher who is second in line to the throne of Solis. Her mother died under suspicious circumstances years ago, in a time of political upheaval. Sheltered and naive, Aster never gave her mother's odd passing much thought until she meets Meeka Carra, a self-described swordswoman extraordinare and the leader of the secretive Swordswomen of Arque. Meeka's parents were executed as traitors by Aster's father and their daughter has been seeking violent justice ever since.

Winter Ventus is the child king of Verna after the death of his father in a sailing accident, possibly caused by Solisian ships. As a young and inexperienced leader, forced into power without giving his thoughts, Winter's first act as king seems to be guided for disaster. As he sails to question Solis about the cause of his father's passing, his fleet is caught in dangerous waters. Winter turns to Occa, a talented peasant sailor, to save his ill-fated journey.

Alyra Ventus is the sister to the king of Verna. As her grief-stricken mother, Loria rules Verna in Winter's absence, Alyra learns that her brother is presumed dead at sea. Deterimined to save him, Alyra plans to find a way to freedom outside her mother's halls.