The Caged Queen

Roa and her sister Essie were born with a bond so close they named it the hum, a shared magic they treasured. Then an accident killed Essie and left her soul trapped in this world. Dax, heir to Firgaard's throne, was to blame, and Roa vowed to hate him for good.

Eight years later Dax comes back and asks for her help. He means to overthrow his cruel father, whose harsh rule has made Roa's people suffer. Roa agrees on one condition: she will supply the army he needs if he makes her queen, because only a queen can free her people from Firgaard's rule.

A second chance opens at the Relinquishing, the time when the dead are said to return as spirits. Roa learns she can bring her sister back for good. Doing so means killing the king.

This companion to The Last Namsara is a dark, haunting fantasy. Grief and a political bargain drive the plot, and Roa must weigh her enemy's offer against her longing for Essie.