An orc queen. Her human bodyguard. Ten years of trust, tension, and yearning.



ASTRID KARRSDAUGHTER, orc queen of Torden, has dealt with threats from the west since before she was elected to her throne. When the southern kingdom sends an ambassador to Torden's royal court, Astrid needs the help of her beloved spymaster—even knowing she relies on her too heavily.



FREYA WEDD is the queen's human bodyguard, spymaster, and handmaid all in one. When she receives divine prophecy that something bad will happen to her queen, she will do whatever she can to protect the woman to whom she's sworn her life.



Tension between the two has been simmering for years, and their feelings are about to boil over.