by Judith Tarr
First published 1993
Estarion stands in the golden palace of Asanion on his coronation day, remembering how mage poison killed his father in these same halls. The new emperor inherits two vast empires, but the land of Asanion feels cursed to him. He agrees to return there as ruler, though he swears he will never love the place that took his father's life. Vanyi travels with him, the fisherman's daughter who became a powerful mage priestess. Her common birth means she can never be empress, despite their deep bond. Her magical abilities may even surpass those of Estarion himself. In the Golden Palace, enemies wait who orchestrated his father's death. These conspirators plan to eliminate Estarion just as they destroyed the previous emperor. They seek to install their own puppet ruler and replace the Sunlord with their chosen deity. Estarion faces the challenge of surviving in hostile territory while maintaining his grip on power across both empires.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, fantasy, political-thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: Asanion, Golden Palace
Period: Coronation
510 pages · Hardcover · Tor Books
Content warnings: violence