Heirs to Byzantium Series by Susan Shwartz

Byzantium's Crown is a glorious fantasy saga of a rich and opulent alternate history--when Antony and Cleopatra survived to found a dynasty full of intrigue and magic.

Alexa, princess of Byzantium, was destined to rule with her devoted brother Marric until the evil forces cast dark magic upon her and made herbetray him. Thus, Marric feels under assault, a usurper has seized the throne and, by means both magical and moral, defeated Alexa. Saved by warrior allies, Alexa has been taken to an unfamiliar northern land. Convinced of Marric's death, she is consumed by guiltand fear. Even from afar, the usurper's power reaches out to trap her... moreAlexa, princess of Byzantium, was destined to rule with her devoted brother Marric until the evil forces cast dark magic upon her and made herbetray him. Thus, Marric feels under assault, a usurper has seized the throne and, by means both magical and moral, defeated Alexa. Saved by warrior allies, Alexa has been taken to an unfamiliar northern land. Convinced of Marric's death, she is consumed by guiltand fear. Even from afar, the usurper's power reaches out to trap her. Savage dreams agonize her nights, prophecies of doom upset her days, and the fiery magic runs wild within her soul. Alexa's only hope lies amidst the Druids of the distant Misty Isles. They alone can cleanse her of the darkness that infects her and teach her to use her powers well. But Alexa must learn more than just the secrets of the Druids, for within her hands and heart lie the very survival of Penilyn itselfand the fate of Byzantium. less

The time for the transfer of power from one generation to the next has come. The rites require Queen Olwen to kill herself with the Queensblade in order to ensure the bounty of the kingdom. First, the Princess, Olwen's daughter Gwenlliant, must discover the powers in order to inherit the crown and the kingdom, for only in Gwenlliant rests the power to bring back the bounty of the land and the kingdom of the ages... moreThe time for the transfer of power from one generation to the next has come. The rites require Queen Olwen to kill herself with the Queensblade in order to ensure the bounty of the kingdom. First, the Princess, Olwen's daughter Gwenlliant, must discover the powers in order to inherit the crown and the kingdom, for only in Gwenlliant rests the power to bring back the bounty of the land and the kingdom of the ages. Gwenlliant must go forth from the Isles of Mist to the shores of Byzantium in order to discover her ancient birthright. Attacked along the way by the assassins of the spirit of darkness and nearly becoming a sacrifice in the dark and bloody vaults of the Stone King, Gwenlliant must overcome hardship and steal her way to succession for only then will her kingdom survive. less