The Bloody Crown Trilogy Series by Thaddeus White

What crime is more unforgivable than treason? Princess Karena is all that stands between the House of Penmere and ruin. The King, her brother, was gravely wounded in a failed assassination attempt, and once-loyal followers are flocking to the treacherous Usurper's golden embrace. But Karena knows the surest defence is attack, and will stop at nothing to destroy any rival to her brother... or herself... moreWhat crime is more unforgivable than treason? Princess Karena is all that stands between the House of Penmere and ruin. The King, her brother, was gravely wounded in a failed assassination attempt, and once-loyal followers are flocking to the treacherous Usurper's golden embrace. But Karena knows the surest defence is attack, and will stop at nothing to destroy any rival to her brother... or herself. Against her, the Usurper musters a vast army to crush Penmere once and for all, but in a war of treachery those closest to you can be the greatest threat. less