The Conquest of Kelemir Series by A.F. Dery

Grace has survived all of her life by simply doing her duty and not standing out, like all the people of her village, until the day their ruling warlord decides to claim her as the season's tax. In a moment of blind panic, she flees straight into the first storm of winter...and into the life of a mysterious recluse. Now stranded in his tower until the spring thaw, she finds more than her mere freedom in peril as no one and nothing is as it seems...

After her parents are murdered by a brutal warlord, Celia makes it her ultimate mission to bring him to justice, but she can't do it alone. Rupert is a criminal mage whose sentenced execution is commuted if he agrees to serve as Celia's Guardian until her mission is complete. But what looks like the perfect opportunity for them both quickly turns into the perfect catastrophe. In the fall out, she is betrayed by those she trusted most... moreAfter her parents are murdered by a brutal warlord, Celia makes it her ultimate mission to bring him to justice, but she can't do it alone. Rupert is a criminal mage whose sentenced execution is commuted if he agrees to serve as Celia's Guardian until her mission is complete. But what looks like the perfect opportunity for them both quickly turns into the perfect catastrophe. In the fall out, she is betrayed by those she trusted most. Now on the run, Celia and Rupert find not only their lives in jeopardy, but also their hearts. Torn between her old vow and a new love, Celia must choose justice...or vengeance. less

After usurping Kelemir's Southern Province, Sebastien has his hands full. Raiders from neighboring Lyntara are bleeding his country dry in a brutal game of cat-and-mouse. They're led by a devious captain named Carys who no one seems able to touch...until he captures her himself. The battle to gain the upper hand with his fiery prisoner ignites a war with his long-cold heart. Lyntaran hostilities are escalating rapidly in the wake of Carys' capture, and the Province is thrown into turmoil... moreAfter usurping Kelemir's Southern Province, Sebastien has his hands full. Raiders from neighboring Lyntara are bleeding his country dry in a brutal game of cat-and-mouse. They're led by a devious captain named Carys who no one seems able to touch...until he captures her himself. The battle to gain the upper hand with his fiery prisoner ignites a war with his long-cold heart. Lyntaran hostilities are escalating rapidly in the wake of Carys' capture, and the Province is thrown into turmoil. With everything he's fought for in jeopardy, Sebastien finds himself in the battle of his life. This lord of war must put aside his heart and be the conqueror...or become the conquered. less

Whether regarded as man or monster, half-elven Dominic has always been alone. Sent by his lord on a journey to find the answers that Kelemir needs to survive the coming storm with Lyntara, Dominic finds not only his life, but his mission in jeopardy when a single mistake sends him hurtling off-course. Now bound against his will to a reclusive necromancer with secrets of her own, he may no longer be alone but he's also no longer free, and the bond they share can be a deadly one... moreWhether regarded as man or monster, half-elven Dominic has always been alone. Sent by his lord on a journey to find the answers that Kelemir needs to survive the coming storm with Lyntara, Dominic finds not only his life, but his mission in jeopardy when a single mistake sends him hurtling off-course. Now bound against his will to a reclusive necromancer with secrets of her own, he may no longer be alone but he's also no longer free, and the bond they share can be a deadly one. Can he survive their bond and complete his mission, or will Kelemir's last hope for standing against Lyntara die with him? This story ends on a cliffhanger. less