Daughter of a dead traitor, lightning mage Taisiya and her surviving family live as pariahs. Taking on the new, unwanted role of diplomat for the isolated empire of Lethe gives the proud mage a chance to reverse her familyโs misfortunes and regain her once-respected status. When arrivals from abroad include a handsome fae prince in need of a wife, she rushes to play matchmaker in return for riches.
A prince plotting a coup
Fae Prince Mereruka has kingly ambitions and six siblings who stand in his way. He is convinced the kingโs command to marry a barbarian from a cursed land will either kill him, or worse, ruin his schemes. Yet meeting the ruthless, enterprising Taisiya gives him hope he has found his perfectโviciousโother half.
And a match made in hellโฆfor everyone else
They strike a deal. Wealth and power for a bride. Except the price of failure is a favourโin whatever form he chooses. As they trade in innuendos and barbs, and bride candidates become scarce, Mereruka can hardly wait to see her fail in order to claim his favourโTaisiyaโs hand in marriage. But it is her heart he must win if he hopes to survive his brotherโs bloodthirsty court. Only a couple united in villainy can slay their way to the throne, and if he fails, their heads will roll.
The Cruel Prince meets a gender-swapped Cleopatra in book two of theย Mages of Oblivionย series. Perfect for fans of morally grey characters, lethal court intrigue and steamy fantasy.
Elyse Thomson is the pen name for a romantic fantasy author residing in Canada's capital. She's fond of including daring heroines, magical mayhem and court intrigue into books inspired by ancient history. When not writing she's reading, gaming or snuggling up with either her husband or her neurotic terrier.