Of the Frost and Fire

It's in my greatest interest that I get the king on my side. He will underestimate me-they all do-and think me harmless. He will eventually let his guard down and even though he may not ever regard me as more than a mild nuisance, it will make it easier for me to strike when he's least expecting it.
Painless and quick, of course. Poison or a dagger to the heart.
After all, I'm a most gracious and kind queen.
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For five years, Hereswithe has ruled Icrawaiweth, a small and impoverished kingdom notoriously referred to as the Wasteland. Despite countless enemies within her court plotting against her, she has made strides in building a better kingdom for her people. But when her estranged husband, the infamous Wretched King of the Wasteland, returns from war, her position as queen is threatened. Hera decides that she has no other option but to kill the king, but the more she learns about the mysterious man, the less sure she becomes...She knows she should hate him, but she just can't.

When Emrys returns from fighting in his father-in-law's war, he is surprised to learn that his young and ambitious wife has become a force to be reckoned with. But Emrys can't decide if he can trust her. For Hera's father, Emperor Rowan de Roet VI of The Ostonian Empire is a cruel man that seeks to claim the entire Continent for himself. Torn between aiding the Rebellion and starting another war or turning his back, Emrys struggles with his own demons. And although he can't deny his desire to get closer to Hera, he can't in fear of revealing to her just how monstrous he truly is.

Emrys' and Hera's pasts, presents and futures are deeply entangled in ways that can't be undone. Together, they must learn to trust each other and elimate threats from within their court and other kingdoms or else face a fate worse than death.

**UPDATED ON SATURDAYS**