Gloaming

Alaena has sworn off love. She's seen first-hand the kind of havoc it can wreak on a heart -- not to mention a kingdom -- and she's determined to avoid that curse. So, with her father's health declining and his throne beckoning, Alaena must find a partner to secure her place as the next queen of the Actias Fae.
Seven suitors vie for her hand, but her heart is not part of the bargain.

An honest day's work is a new concept to Cyd. He spent the last few years as a thief, but now that his band of ruffians has disbanded, he's not sure what the Fates have in store. At least, not until one of the Actias suitors offers him a job in the palace. He is supposed to be a gift for the princess, her own personal bard, but the job turns out to be much more than he bargained for.

With a bard who doubles a thief and a spy, Alaena will surely be able to select the most practical mate from among her suitors. But as late-night meetings with her songbird grow later, and their schemes grow evermore entwined, she begins to wonder if love's curse is truly such a terrible burden to bear.