Wraith Kings Series by Grace Draven, Kelley Armstrong, Jeffe Kennedy, Melissa Marr, L. Penelope

The Prince of no valueBrishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined... moreThe Prince of no valueBrishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined.The noblewoman of no importanceIldiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn’t just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she’s known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light.Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart. less

The human and Kai kingdoms of Gaur and Bast-Haradis have negotiated a trade alliance that includes an arranged marriage between the Gauri king's niece and the Kai king's youngest son to seal the bargain. Ildiko has accepted her fate to become the wife of a hideous Kai husband and move to a foreign land where she knows little of the culture and even less of the people who aren't human and find humans repulsive. What she doesn't expect is to find her groom enchanting, kind, and fiercely devoted... moreThe human and Kai kingdoms of Gaur and Bast-Haradis have negotiated a trade alliance that includes an arranged marriage between the Gauri king's niece and the Kai king's youngest son to seal the bargain. Ildiko has accepted her fate to become the wife of a hideous Kai husband and move to a foreign land where she knows little of the culture and even less of the people who aren't human and find humans repulsive. What she doesn't expect is to find her groom enchanting, kind, and fiercely devoted. But the strength of friendship may not be enough to grow or hold together a marriage when forces both worldly and otherworldly threaten to tear it and everything around them apart.In Radiance, Ildiko of Gaur submits to a marriage with the prince of the Kai, an Elder race possessing fading magic. Humans find the Kai hideous, and the sentiment is returned by the Kai. Ildiko has put that aside in the hopes her union with the prince will at least be one of civility. Equally resigned to his fate, Brishen Khaskem discovers his new bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined. Two people brought together by duty will forge bonds of friendship and affection even as others scheme to destroy their union.A tale of friendship and devotion.In Eidolon, Brishen and Ildiko have found happiness in the Kai stronghold known as Saggara. That happiness, however, is short-lived when they must confront a demonic horde unleashed on the Kai kingdom, abominations which threaten to devour the world itself. They also have to face the hard realities of kingship, where the privilege of wearing the crown and taking the throne means making the ultimate sacrifice in lives, love, and the soul of a nation.A tale of alliance and sacrifice. less

Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator drawn by a hunger for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day fight to save a world... moreSomething hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator drawn by a hunger for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day fight to save a world.Originally published in the 'Teeth, Long and Sharp' anthology, Night Tide is a stand-alone novella that takes place in the world of the Wraith Kings series. less

In a bid for more power, the Shadow Queen of Haradis has unleashed a malignant force into the world. Her son Brishen, younger prince of the Kai royal house, suddenly finds himself ruler of a kingdom blighted by a diseased darkness and on the brink of war. His human wife Ildiko must decide if she will give up the man she loves in order to secure his throne... moreIn a bid for more power, the Shadow Queen of Haradis has unleashed a malignant force into the world. Her son Brishen, younger prince of the Kai royal house, suddenly finds himself ruler of a kingdom blighted by a diseased darkness and on the brink of war. His human wife Ildiko must decide if she will give up the man she loves in order to secure his throne. Three enemy kingdoms must unite to save each other, and a one-eyed, reluctant king must raise an army of the dead to defeat an army of the damned.A tale of alliance and sacrifice. less

The mark Jahna Uhlfrida was born with has made her a target of the cruel and idle all her life. During the long, crowded festivities of the winter holiday known as Delyalda, there's nowhere to escape and no one to save her from the taunts and mockery.Until a handsome swordmaster promises to teach her how to save herself.Originally published in the 'Amid the Winter Storm' anthology, In The Darkest Midnight is a stand-alone novella that takes place in the world of the Wraith Kings series.

A trilogy of short stories from the worlds of 'Entreat Me' and the Master of Crows and Wraith Kings series.Strong Blood: Ballard de Sauveterre (from 'Entreat Me') crosses time to share a drink with Silhara of Neith (from Masters of Crows) and discovers a connection that spans generations.Crow Awakened: A short follow-up to 'The Brush of Black Wings' in which a terrified Silhara finally learns why his beloved wife Martise is fading before his eyes... moreA trilogy of short stories from the worlds of 'Entreat Me' and the Master of Crows and Wraith Kings series.Strong Blood: Ballard de Sauveterre (from 'Entreat Me') crosses time to share a drink with Silhara of Neith (from Masters of Crows) and discovers a connection that spans generations.Crow Awakened: A short follow-up to 'The Brush of Black Wings' in which a terrified Silhara finally learns why his beloved wife Martise is fading before his eyes. A Matter of Trust: A cultural divide is resolved in the most delightful way between Brishen and Ildiko Khaskem. Takes place after 'Radiance' and before 'Eidolon'. less

The treacherous waters of the Gray have widowed many women in the village of Ancilar. But the sea gives back as well as takes away, something Brida Gazi discovers one bleak autumn morning while harvesting sea wrack on its storm-battered shore.Wounded and stranded ashore, the merman Ahtin lies dying among the tidal pools until a land-walker woman, who can call forth magic with a mysterious flute, rescues him... moreThe treacherous waters of the Gray have widowed many women in the village of Ancilar. But the sea gives back as well as takes away, something Brida Gazi discovers one bleak autumn morning while harvesting sea wrack on its storm-battered shore.Wounded and stranded ashore, the merman Ahtin lies dying among the tidal pools until a land-walker woman, who can call forth magic with a mysterious flute, rescues him. Ahtin finds himself unable to resist Brida's allure - or her magic - despite the risk to himself and his people.But Ahtin isn't alone in his fascination. Another, driven by bitterness and relentless purpose, seeks Brida and her unusual talent to manipulate for his own schemes, and neither Ahtin's devotion nor the sea's ancient sorcery will stop him from realizing those ambitions.Also published in the 'Seasons of Sorcery' anthology, A Wilderness of Glass is a stand-alone novella that takes place in the world of the Wraith Kings series. less

These heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers of fantasy and romance, with a dash of seasonal joy... moreThese heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers of fantasy and romance, with a dash of seasonal joy.Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley ArmstrongThe North Yorkshire moors are always a magical place, but they’re particularly enchanting at the holidays…especially if one gets to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas. For Bronwyn Dale, it is the stuff of dreams. Fancy-dress balls, quirky small-town traditions, even that classic one-horse open sleigh, complete with jingle bells. There’s just the tiny problem of the Butterfly Effect. How does a time-traveler make a difference without disrupting the future forever?The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe KennedyShapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn’t especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. Among other things, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there... Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung, but her mother put her foot down declaring that Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Even if that Rhyian, insufferable Prince of the Tala, will also attend. But this year, Moranu’s sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there’s more than a bit of magic in the air.Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa MarrHalf-dead witch Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead--and spends her free time trying not to get too attached to her business partner, Eli Stonecroft, a faery in self-imposed exile in New Orleans. With a killer at her throat and a blood martini in her hand, Gen accepts what seems like a straight-forward faery bargain, but soon realizes that if she can't figure out a way out of this faery bargain, she'll be planning a wedding after the holidays.Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. PenelopeBrought to live among the Cavefolk as an infant, Mooriah has long sought to secure her place in the clan and lose her outsider status. She’s a powerful blood mage, and when the chieftain’s son asks for help securing the safety of the clan, she agrees. But though she’s long been drawn to the warrior, any relationship between the two is forbidden. The arrival of a mysterious stranger with a tempting offer tests her loyalties, and when betrayal looms, will Mooriah’s secrets and hidden power put the future she’s dreamed of—and her adopted home—in jeopardy. A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace DravenSpinsterhood has never bothered or embarrassed the independent Emerence Ipsan, and the winter festival of Delyalda keeps her far too busy managing her father's shops to worry about matters as trivial as marriage.Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion. less

The demonic horde that threatened to devour the world has been defeated, but at great cost.Plagued by guilt and nightmares, Serovek Pangion sets out to deliver the soulless body of the monk Megiddo to the heretical Jeden Order for safekeeping. Accompanying him is sha-Anhuset, the Kai woman he admires and desires most--a woman barely tolerant of him... moreThe demonic horde that threatened to devour the world has been defeated, but at great cost.Plagued by guilt and nightmares, Serovek Pangion sets out to deliver the soulless body of the monk Megiddo to the heretical Jeden Order for safekeeping. Accompanying him is sha-Anhuset, the Kai woman he admires and desires most--a woman barely tolerant of him.Devoted to her regent, Anhuset reluctantly agrees to act as a Kai ambassador on the trip, even though the bold margrave known as the Beladine Stallion gets under her skin like no other, and Anhuset fears he'll worm his way into her armored heart as well.But guilt and unwelcome attraction are the least of their problems. The demons thought vanquished are stirring again, and a warlord with blood-soaked ambition turns a journey of compassion into a fight for survival. When the Beladine king brands Serovek a traitor, Anhuset must choose between sacrificing the life of a man she's grown to love and abandoning lifelong fealty to the Kai people.A tale of loyalty and acceptance. less

**The love story of Brishen and Ildiko continues in this Wraith Kings novella, set after the events in THE IPPOS KING - WK #3.**To protect his people and save his kingdom from destruction, Brishen Khaskem made an unthinkable sacrifice, stripping all but the youngest Kai of their magic in order to transform himself and four others into powerful Wraith Kings who would battle the ancient malice known as the galla.But victory comes at a high price... more**The love story of Brishen and Ildiko continues in this Wraith Kings novella, set after the events in THE IPPOS KING - WK #3.**To protect his people and save his kingdom from destruction, Brishen Khaskem made an unthinkable sacrifice, stripping all but the youngest Kai of their magic in order to transform himself and four others into powerful Wraith Kings who would battle the ancient malice known as the galla.But victory comes at a high price. The loss of their sorcerous heritage is a bitter consequence for the Kai. When an unexpected enemy threatens the lives of his beloved wife Ildiko and his adopted daughter, the queen regnant, Brishen may pay the highest price of all. What will be the ultimate cost of reviving a dead legacy and regaining a lost hope?A tale of trust and deception. less

Spinsterhood has never bothered or embarrassed the independent Emerence Ipsan, and the winter festival of Delyalda keeps her far too busy managing her father's shops to worry about matters as trivial as marriage.Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion.