Excerpt

Thorn and Blade: Annarissa's Story

I'd never felt warm sunlight on my face—only this tepid glow.

And with every passing day, the sunlight receded more, unable to

penetrate the mists and shadows that cursed my mother's magic

realm of Ereth. And the kingdom of Rohesia, those vile swordmongering

monsters to the east.

Ereth's bitter enemy.

Instead, the blanched, sickly sun rays cast an illusion of warmth

in their fading gold hues, more the color of piss than sunlight. Crops

died in the "elds and leaves fell from the trees in a perpetual

autumn.

Either way, this curse had been my doom. It fated me to wed

Prince Arence Siridean of Rohesia—and my sisters to marry his

brothers. To fulfill the prophecy that would break this curse and save

Ereth. Save the world of Kambria. And Rohesia, too—not that I cared.

My life was over.

I held my breath as I watched the royal Rohesian carriage slide

out of the mist, carved from dark grey ironwood by the sharpest

blades in Kambria, and led by six stocky black Merced roans the color

of midnight, coats ticked grey, manes wrapped in red and orange

silks that undulated like #ames in the wind. The scent of new leather

and sweaty horses hung above magic's burnt lightning smell.

Whiffs of sulfur and lime from the torches burning above the

gate made me move up wind to keep the smell out of my blonde hair

as I watched my doom unfold at Skystead's gates. The Rohesian royal

red standard bearing crossed swords #ew above the carriage.

Fluttering like my heart.

It took all my courage to hold back the tears burning in my eyes,

a golden hazel as Lady Laurel described them.

Storm and Steel: Genevieve's Story

Sunlight washed pale and sickly across the pier that curved around

the village of Skystead's wharf where I sat atop one of the ten trunks

containing my belongings and that of my two ladies-in-waiting.

My turn to do my duty for Ereth. And Kambria. All I wanted to do

was !ght every single Rohesian to a surrender, not wed one of them.

I wore a utilitarian pale pink gown with magical symbols

embroidered across the bodice—a protection ward. The gown's thick

fabric would keep me warm for the sea voyage to Summerreach.

Aboard one of Ereth's fastest warships that would ensure I arrived

safely. Avoiding the harrowing and dangerous overland journey that

Annarissa had been forced to take last year.

Mother, the Queen of Ereth, probably wanted me on a sea voyage

—and out of contact with the Rohesians—for as long as possible. In

case I caused an—incident. I was an air sorceress. Mother insisted it

was because I had more than enough !re in my veins for all four of

my sisters. I'd summon lightning and wouldn't hesitate to drop the

!rst blade that even glinted in my direction.

My mother was a wise woman.

The thought of stepping foot into Rohesia—without wearing my

armor and sorceress robes—made me anxious. And angry.

Since my sister married Oz Tarrant, a Siridean prince, the

Kambrian Equalizers had replenished their numbers and a militant

faction in Rohesia had joined their fight. I was an assault sorceress

like my sister and more than ready to tangle with these hedgeborn

buffoons. The difference between Annarissa and I was that craved

the !ght whereas she tolerated it. She always called me feraly

fearless on the battle!eld and it was a compliment. Annarissa and I

had never backed away from a fight, but I was the one that went

looking for them.

Flame & Dagger: Carysana's Story

After they had passed, I moved back to the doorframe, peering

through the cracked door as the three mages on patrol, dressed in

teal mage robes, passed by my door again. Tense. Patrolling the

hallway one last time before heading back toward the grand

staircase to Mother's throne room. And back again for one last

rotation through the living quarters. Before they started their route

all over again.

But I would be gone before they returned.

Before Mother sent a mage detail to force me into a carriage

bound for Skystead's docks and made me board the warship

Elemental. Bound for Rohesia.

To marry a man I didn't love and had never met before. I no

longer cared whether he was the bedswerving rake I'd heard about

or cousin to a river troll. I was done being the obedient, dutiful

princess. Done accepting my fate with poise and grace.

I was saving myself. To grab my one chance to become the

woman I wanted to be. I sighed. Who my father wanted me to be.

So, I would become someone else.

I was headed north. To Xanthe. To feel sun-drenched sand

between my toes and explore the sunny beaches. Feel warm sunlight

for the first time. I'd discover my first crush. Dance with a handsome

man who liked me for me. Not out of obligation…because I was a

princess of Ereth.

And, by the crown, I'd have my first romantic kiss.

My way…kissing someone I wanted to kiss.