A Court of Crows

Book excerpt: A young queen in peril.A city under siege. An elven mercenary with a dark desire. Nineteen-year-old Eris Telari was never supposed to rule Brucia. She's always been more interested in swordplay than courtly intrigue. After her brother's assassination, however, Eris has no choice but to take up the crown and defend her city against an invasion led by an undefeated elven warlord. With Brucia's forces decimated, and a siege looming, Eris needs help. Who better to repel the elven invaders than a band of elven mercenaries? Their leader, Ruith, is as charming as he is deadly, and used to getting what he wants. Six thousand swords strong, his Crows have a reputation for winning against impossible odds. He won't take a fight he can't win, and now he has his sights set on Eris?Is it her kingdom he wants? Or her? With assassins and traitors still lurking around every corner, and an army nearly twenty thousand strong at her gates, Eris cannot afford to turn away the Crows' assistance. Even with their help, the battle for Brucia will be hard-won. And the most dangerous threat may already be inside her walls and vying for a place at her side?