Firebrand

Zachary Davriel Hillander, High King of Sacoridia, has given up a great deal to rule, including the freedom to choose whom he loves. The woman he wants and cannot have is Green Rider Karigan G'ladheon. When an embassy from Eletia proposes a joint expedition north to find an old ally, it asks for Karigan to travel with its guide.

Karigan has just come back from a dark future in which Sacoridia has fallen to a despotic emperor, and she has not recovered in heart or mind. The ghosts of the castle keep pressing on her as well. Zachary hates to send her away so soon, but he judges her the best person for the mission.

The road leads toward Second Empire, Sacoridia's longtime enemy. Its leader, Grandmother, is a necromancer, and she summons a wild elemental spirit to attack Zachary and his wife, Queen Estora. The creature is driven off at first, yet it desires Estora too much to stay away. It seizes Zachary and takes his shape and his place beside her. When it is finally expelled, the king is still missing.

Estora, pregnant with twins, must prepare the realm for war while confined to her bedchamber. Karigan and her companions meet deeper danger the farther north they go. Caught between clashing forces, she must rescue her king before Grandmother's trap closes, a trap that could give Second Empire control over the dead and the demons of the hells.

This is epic fantasy told from several viewpoints, with a dark, urgent tone.