Palace of Scoundrels

It's not easy being queen...

As ruler of Hellas, I'm delighted that that spring is blooming and lush on my island kingdom, but there are still no signs of an occupant for the royal nursery. Matthias and I are as lusty as ever, but if we can't produce children-and heirs for our respective thrones-it could set the stage for civil war.

My fears aren't helped by the arrival of the legendarily conniving Dowager Queen Atilia of Illium, or her handsome grandson Prince Marcus. If Atilia thinks she can get Marcus into my bed and her great-grandchild on my throne, she'll find a dangerous and very protective king in her way.

But Matthias is also dealing with dangerous family politics and a wolfish duke who kidnapped a young noblewoman for immoral purposes-at least, that's what her mother claims. With my beloved husband busy in Ypres, I may have to handle this pair of Illian schemers on my own...