A young Queen. A realm in decline. An impossible choice. A broken Prince. Two wounded warriors. An unthinkable decision.

The realm of Ardvalla is slowly dying and ancient tradition dictates its queen must choose a husband. Queen Elinor is not in any hurry to marry but if she were to find a suitable partner and produce an heir then maybe she could bring precious hope to her people. However, she can only choose from the Highborne families and her options are dismal. Then, a mysterious healer comes to the palace and another possibility opens up but it’s fraught with risk.

She decides...

A young Queen. A realm in decline. An impossible choice. A broken Prince. Two wounded warriors. An unthinkable decision.

The realm of Ardvalla is slowly dying and ancient tradition dictates its queen must choose a husband. Queen Elinor is not in any hurry to marry but if she were to find a suitable partner and produce an heir then maybe she could bring precious hope to her people. However, she can only choose from the Highborne families and her options are dismal. Then, a mysterious healer comes to the palace and another possibility opens up but it’s fraught with risk.

She decides to press ahead with the choosing ceremony. However, as it closes, a formidable enemy reveals himself and threatens war. The young queen makes a decision. It’s either spectacularly foolish or it will be the answer to her prayers. Desperate times require bold measures, and as the sun sets she exits the palace gates hoping the gamble she’s about to take will save her and her realm from a fate worse than death.

In the neighbouring realm of Ellerban, a broken prince returns to his castle unaware he is the answer to a desperate queen’s fate. His two most trusted warriors are abducted by his morally bankrupt brother and a chain of events are set in motion that will see the young queen dealing with more than she ever bargained for.