Golden Daughter Series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Sairu is dainty, delicate, demure . . . and deadly. As one of the emperor’s Golden Daughters, her skills have been honed to knife-like sharpness in readiness for her eventual sale to some faceless bridegroom, whom she will serve and protect for the rest of her life. But when the priests of Hulan seek special protection for one of their sacred Dream Walkers, Sairu eagerly forgoes marriage and takes on this unique role instead... moreSairu is dainty, delicate, demure . . . and deadly. As one of the emperor’s Golden Daughters, her skills have been honed to knife-like sharpness in readiness for her eventual sale to some faceless bridegroom, whom she will serve and protect for the rest of her life. But when the priests of Hulan seek special protection for one of their sacred Dream Walkers, Sairu eagerly forgoes marriage and takes on this unique role instead. Rather than a bride, she becomes a handmaiden to the mysterious and powerful Lady Hariawan, guarding her through a long journey across the empire to safety and seclusion in a remote mountain temple. Little does Sairu guess the dangers stalking Lady Hariawan’s footsteps—shadows crouching at every corner, demons haunting beyond the edge of dreams. For the Dragon has seen the power of this Dream Walker . . . and he has plans for her. less

When Lady Hariawan insists that her small traveling band take in a wounded stranger rescued from slavers, Sairu knows no good can come from it. Commanded to tend the stranger’s wounds and bring him back from the brink of death, she finds her attentions uncomfortably divided. The situation grows dire when Lady Hariawan travels into the Realm of Dreams, far beyond Sairu’s protective reach... moreWhen Lady Hariawan insists that her small traveling band take in a wounded stranger rescued from slavers, Sairu knows no good can come from it. Commanded to tend the stranger’s wounds and bring him back from the brink of death, she finds her attentions uncomfortably divided. The situation grows dire when Lady Hariawan travels into the Realm of Dreams, far beyond Sairu’s protective reach. How can she guard her mistress from the perils of that world which she herself cannot see or touch? Discovering that the rescued slave is himself a Dream Walker, Sairu sees an opportunity to extend her protective circle around Lady Hariawan. But will Jovann prove a help or a hindrance as he falls ever more deeply under the spell of the beautiful temple lady? less

The Emperor of Noorhitam, plagued by dreams of disaster, sends out a plea for help from any Dream Walker able to offer interpretation and aid. Little does he realize that his salvation even now languishes in the dungeons beneath his own temple. A scholar travels from a distant city to fulfill a mission of murder at the command of his new masters. But, through cunning and craft, Sairu has hidden her mistress where no one will think to look for her... moreThe Emperor of Noorhitam, plagued by dreams of disaster, sends out a plea for help from any Dream Walker able to offer interpretation and aid. Little does he realize that his salvation even now languishes in the dungeons beneath his own temple. A scholar travels from a distant city to fulfill a mission of murder at the command of his new masters. But, through cunning and craft, Sairu has hidden her mistress where no one will think to look for her. Lady Hariawan, lost in the torment of her mind, sinks into darkness beyond Sairu’s protective reach. Shadows of both this world and the other creep ever closer, shadows which Sairu cannot fight with mortal weapons. As the Dragon’s fire flames brighter in the hearts of men, can anything prevent the impending destruction of the emperor’s city . . . and of the heavens themselves? less

The unthinkable has happened. Her mistress has been taken from her, kidnapped and spirited away into a realm Sairu cannot enter. Or can she? In the epic conclusion to the GOLDEN DAUGHTER adventure, the Dragon unleashes deadly force upon mortal and immortal worlds alike. Harnessing the power of the Dream Walkers, he breaks through the gates of Hulan’s garden, and fire rains down from the sky... moreThe unthinkable has happened. Her mistress has been taken from her, kidnapped and spirited away into a realm Sairu cannot enter. Or can she? In the epic conclusion to the GOLDEN DAUGHTER adventure, the Dragon unleashes deadly force upon mortal and immortal worlds alike. Harnessing the power of the Dream Walkers, he breaks through the gates of Hulan’s garden, and fire rains down from the sky. Can one brave young woman, armed only with her courage and training, face these supernatural forces and rescue the mistress she has sworn to protect? Can anyone prevent the ultimate destruction of the very heavens above and the silencing of the Spheres’ eternal song? less