Synopsis: The Briar and the Rose

Tira Arrosin has found himself caught between a rock and a hard place. On one side is a vindictive older brother who has always treated Tira more like a pet than a person, and not a particularly beloved one at that, but Kendaval is family and the only one who has shown any interest in protecting him. On the other side is Lorran Narraise, the lord of a rival House known for making enemies of the Crown simply disappear. Lorran is strong, and handsome, and fascinating. He's also a brutal killer who cares nothing for his victims save that they are on the Empress' list, and Tira might find their already complicated relationship grow a little trickier once he discovers whose name is next.