The Barter of Crowns - Paperback

by Syn Fraser (Author)

She was sent to buy peace. He was ordered to keep her alive. Neither was supposed to become the other's reason to survive.

Princess Rhyne of Caer-Lora has always known what she is worth to her kingdom. A treaty. A marriage. A crown. Sent across the border as the price of peace, Rhyne enters a foreign palace where smiles are sharper than knives and every kindness carries a debt. Her future husband has a kingdom to inherit. His court has plans for its new princess. And Rhyne is expected to endure them all.

Her only certainty is Elijah-a war-hardened guard with a title he never wanted and scars that tell the story of everything he's survived. Rhyne calls him her hound. He carries her life like a promise. But in a palace that devours mercy and markets power, even loyalty can become dangerous. As coronation day approaches, old wounds between kingdoms begin to split open. Favors become threats. Whispers become rebellion. And the peace Rhyne was sacrificed to secure begins to look increasingly like a noose. Soon, obedience will no longer be enough to keep her alive.

Rhyne must decide whether to become the queen they bargained for-or risk blood, war, and everything she has left to topple a king.

She was traded for a crown.

She may bring the kingdom down instead.

The Barter of Crowns begins a dark epic fantasy trilogy of warring kingdoms, political marriage, court intrigue, betrayal, fierce loyalty, and an achingly slow-burn bond between a princess and the guard who would bleed to keep her alive.