The Sovereign

Luca has finally become queen of Balladaire, but inheriting an empire has not made it secure. A spreading plague, disloyal courtiers and the search for lost magic threaten her rule. Touraine, now her general, sees dangers beyond the borders as well: a fragile alliance with Qazal and neighboring powers waiting to exploit weakness. Their partnership is further strained by incompatible ideas about what Balladaire should become. When an approaching army brings someone from Touraine's romantic past back into view, personal and political loyalties become even harder to separate. The final Magic of the Lost novel places both women before the cost of preserving power—and the possibility of relinquishing it.