Cirrus@Austlit

'Bound by tradition. Now they must follow the rules.

'Syrasan is a kingdom with a complicated political history and longstanding traditions. Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women–possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. Aldara is sixteen years old when she is sold by her farming family to the obnoxious Prince Pandarus as a gift for his younger brother, Prince Tyron. While initial encounters between the troubled war hero and his reluctant companion are awkward, their connection is immediate. But they are soon reminded by those closest to them that there is no place for love between a prince and his Companion.

'Set amid grief and war, The Royal Companion is a heart-warming love story about what it means to give yourself over to another.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Love has never been more dangerous.

'Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. But the longstanding tradition is about to change. A new trade agreement between two kings will see women sold across the border.

'Prince Tyron never wanted a Companion, but now he cannot fathom a life without her. But when a rebellious act brings brutal consequences, Tyron realises his feelings put his Companion at risk. As her future grows more uncertain, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

'Aldara never wanted to be a Companion, but at age sixteen the choice was made for her. She never imagined she would grow to love the man who owns her more than her own freedom. But when her life at Archdale begins to crumble, Tyron sends her back to the safety of her family, where she must find a way to exist without him. As Zoelin continues to tighten its grip on Syrasan, the pair soon discovers there are no safe havens.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. Aldara has left the Companion life behind her. Having returned south to her family, she thought all ties to her prince severed. She was wrong. Now she has a secret—one she must keep in order to protect the people she loves. But when her past shows up at her home, lives begin to unravel.

'Still grieving the departure of his Companion and the death of his father, Prince Tyron is adjusting to life under his brother’s rule. Shifts in power see him sent to Corneo to take control of the West. Amid the throes of war, he learns that the woman who still holds his heart has been keeping a secret. An impulsive decision delivers him into enemy hands with no way out. Unless she does the unthinkable…'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Behind every Companion is a mentor who must prepare her for the role.

'For nine years, Petra has existed within the castle walls. For nine years, the king has taken whatever he pleases—even her son. When tragedy strikes, Petra realises she can either accept her fate or run from it. But the man who owns her will stop at nothing to keep her. To survive, she must put her trust in enemy hands. To heal, she must learn to open her heart.

'Sir Leksi is the prince’s right hand man and Syrasan’s fiercest knight. He is also the kingdom’s most notorious womaniser. When he stumbles across a runaway in the woods, he is surprised to learn her identity, but even more surprised when he is ordered to protect her. Intrigued by the hunted mentor, he decides to see what lies beneath the unsmiling face and vacant gaze. What he discovers might change him forever…'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Love is for the weak of mind.

'Astra is queen of the Companion world. She has been at the king’s side for ten years, but his interest is waning. If she can just hold on a little longer, she will take her rightful place as mentor and never share a man’s bed again. But a single game of cards threatens to bring her future to ruins. The king’s wager is a brutal reminder that she is replaceable, disposable—a prize to be won. Now she must find a way to survive outside the castle until she can find a way back inside its walls.

'Dion is captain of the Galen army, a soldier, a humanitarian—and possibly a traitor. He does not believe in people as property, so the concept of a Companion is confronting. Mistress or slave? He cannot decide. The king’s Companion seems content enough with her eternal smile and ability to command a room with just a tilt of her head and flash of blue eyes, but he sees past the painted face and rehearsed laughter. She is broken. She is fire. And a game of cards later, she is entirely his problem.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A rising king. A falling queen. An unimaginable love.

'Queen Cora is married to a monster. Three years she has played wife, and all she has to show for it is a marked face, an empty womb, and a bitter taste in her mouth best washed away with wine. It is a good thing she is made of something solid, because marriage is a life sentence. Or is it? The rebel prince is coming for the crown. Powers will shift, and loyalties will be tested. As Cora’s future unravels, she must fight to keep hold of her position, her sanity—and most definitely her heart.

'Brom is leader of the Nydoen people, a mountain rebel—and next in line to rule. His brother is self-destructing, and the time has come to replace him. He has the love of a kingdom and a clear path to the throne, but not everyone wants him to succeed. War is coming. He is going to need allies if he stands any chance against his enemy. The one they call Ice Queen might be the key. Experienced, intelligent, well-connected. Intoxicating. If he can just find a way to thaw her solid heart, she may prove to be his greatest ally yet.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.