.jpg)
Quick-witted and confident, Princess Laetitia of Avaritia always gets what she wants—until her 17th nameday ball. The King and Queen, believing marriage will rein in their daughter’s rebellious nature, surprise the Princess with not one, but four suitors: a philosopher, an astronomer, an artist and a necromancer. If Laetitia can’t learn at least one suitor’s craft and prove herself to be a worthy wife, she will lose her crown—the one thing she cares about most.
Laetitia irks her suitors as much as she can while learning as little as possible about them—and their so-called “crafts.” But when she and Sir Blaxton resurrect one of the many peasants who have died recently from an unprecedented disease, the corpse’s cryptic words about his death set them on a race to find answers: What is the disease? How is it spreading so quickly? And why is it affecting only the peasants?
As Laetitia tries to find answers, she uncovers a web of corruption with a stranglehold on her kingdom. Like it or not, she’s going to need the help of all four of her suitors—even if they end up putting their own lives on the line.
2,079,442 ranking. Sales go in waves, although I am actively promoting this book for its 4th anniversary. I am doing giveaways, readings, promos on it.
Finally, she put on her circlet and made sure not one curl was out of place. She wanted to look as regal as possible. She must be poised and cold, no matter how desperate she felt inside. She marched out of her room, her hands flat against her thighs. She went to the solar first. It was empty. Laetitia blinked as she came into the solar and walked out again, unsure where she wanted to go. She then went through the bed chambers, the kitchens, pantries, gatehouses, guardrooms, oratories, boudoirs, storerooms, and ice houses before coming to the main wing with the apartments. The castle was surprisingly empty. Where was everybody? Where were the king and queen? Her servants? It wasn’t a sacred day that she knew of. Laetitia’s suspicions spiraled out of control.
The rising and falling of voices floated out from one of the apartments. She stood in the hallway, indecisive, then she crept her way to one of the apartments on the left side, the Galunarian apartment, if she recalled correctly. That’s where the voices were coming from. She heard her name and the sound of multiple male voices. She frowned. She recognized an exotic accent and a clipped cadence she knew all too well. Sir Blaxton and Sir Durriken. What were they discussing so privately? She tiptoed closer and crouched by the door, making sure to make no noise. She brushed her long hair away from her ears and focused.
Sir Durriken’s voice, angry and flustered, made its way to her, his cadence even more short than usual.
“Never in all my life have I had such a difficult student. She has no creativity, no spark of curiosity. I have to drag her through my lessons. I know full well she’s not learning. She still doesn’t know what the difference is between a comet and an asteroid. She handles the telescope, the astrolabe, the compass like an ape. An honor to be a suitor for her. Pah!
| Language | Status |
|---|---|
|
French
|
Already translated.
|
|
Spanish
|
Already translated.
Translated by Rocio Pareja
|
|
|
Author review: Rocio was a breeze to work with; very professional, and asked very specific questions throughout the process. It's obvious they enjoyed the work. Would highly recommend! |
