Rhyan's resigned to his season of misery until he reaches Bamaria and sees Lady Lyriana Batavia. Rhyan's sure she doesn't remember their meeting a decade ago, but an act of kindness from her stayed with him through the years. Though he longs to know the woman she's become, he must keep his distance to protect her from his father's sinister political maneuvers.
But when the undeniable attraction between them garners the attention of two dangerous Imperators competing for power, Rhyan must play the villain to keep him and Lyriana from becoming pawns.
Jules, Lyriana's cousin and best friend, is the only one to see through his facade, becoming his unlikely ally as they navigate instability in the Bamarian Court.
Though Lyriana is suspicious of his true motives, Rhyan's plan has nearly succeeded—until the night of the solstice, when hidden enemies emerge, posing an even greater threat.
To save the girl he loves, Rhyan must play the hero—but to do so involves risking not only his heart, but exposing his most dangerous secret.
Frankie Diane Mallis is the author of the DROWNED EMPIRE fantasy romance series which begins with DAUGHTER OF THE DROWNED EMPIRE. She lives outside of Philadelphia where she is an award-winning university professor. Frankie is also one of the co-hosts of Bothered & Bewildered: A Buffyverse Podcast.
When not writing or teaching, she practices yoga (and has her 200 hour yoga certification) and belly dance, and can usually be found baking gluten free desserts. To learn more, join her newsletter at www.frankiedianemallis.com