Description

Series: Book 1 in the Song of the Land series

Rating: Not rated

Tags: Fantasy, Fiction

Summary

In a daring coup, the house of Melisin attacks the Saeditin throne, killing all but one of the ruling house of Becha. Eight-year-old Rilsin witnesses the brutal murder of her mother, the queen or SaeKet, and then is imprisoned. The new SaeKet's daughter, Rilsin's cousin, Sithli, secretly visits her daily, and after she prevents Rilsin's execution, bonds with her in an odd alliance. Weary of the bloodshed in her land, rightful heir Rilsin pledges her allegiance and a lifelong commitment to keeping the peace to Sithli, who takes the throne at age 17. She is an erratic, cold, often unstable SaeKet, however, primarily concerned with fashion and full coffers, for which the people are overtaxed, kidnapped, and sold into slavery in the ruthless Runchot nation. Finally, Rilsin understands she must betray her pledge to save her people. With the commoners rallying behind her, she moves to recover the throne, perhaps too late, for Sithli, near madness, holds Rilsin's baby daughter--the future of Saeditin--hostage.