Book 1: Rituals of Blood and Power

Lady Annabelle of House Alyssenne needs to restore her family prestige in order to quickly finds allies powerful enough to protect her from death threats. Now that she can take back the family seat in the imperial senate, she thinks it will be easy. But the imperial nobility has learnt to function without House Alyssenne to guide them. Even the Alyssennes’ unique magical crafts are not as values as they once were. What’s more, the Dark Lord Véridice Lyrienne who murdered her parents is now out to get her.
Surrounded by enemies, Annabelle has no choice but to initiate traditional Courtship Rituals: a series of social events during which male and female suitors will have to show off their magic to win her hand. This is the perfect ploy to buy enough time to form alliances. Yet, now Annabelle also has to juggle with insulting courtship offers from both Light and Dark mages. This includes Lord Véridice Lyrienne in person, a man she finds as fascinating as he is terrifying. But Annabelle soon realises that she may not be able to find anyone powerful – and willing - enough to defend her from all her enemies, and that the Dark and Light divide is not as clear-cut as she has been taught.
This is an adult fantasy novel with a strong romance subplot and will appeal to reader of Feist’s Daughter of the Empire and fan of the enemies-to-lover romance trope.
This book is not available yet.

---

Articles associated with this story:
The plot is centred around Courtship Rituals.
The main character is Lady Annabelle Alyssenne.

Lady Annabelle Alyssenne by AmélieIS

Other important characters are:

• Lord Véridice Lyrienne, the leader of the Dark political faction

Lord Véridice Lyrienne by AmélieIS with Artbreeder

• Lord-Consul Xénophène Ylucianie, the leader of the Light faction

Lord Xénophène Ylucianie by AmélieIS with Artbreeder

• Heir Jérôme Zériesse, one of Annabelle's suitors

Heir Jérôme Zériesse by AmélieIs

• Heiress Madeleine Veinianie, one of Annabelle's suitors

Heiress Madeleine Veinianie by AmélieIS with Artbreeder

• Scion Alisandre Malinesse, one of Annabelle's suitors

• Heir Isidore Kolinesse, one of Annabelle's suitors

Heir Isidore Kolinesse by AmélieIS with Artbreeder

• Heir Clarence Drissenne, one of Annabelle's suitors

Heir Clarence Drissenne by AmélieIS with Artbreeder

Sieur Adrien Nolane, one of Annabelle's advisors

Sieur Adrien Nolane by AmélieIS with Artbreeder

• Goodwoman Béatrice Watron, one of Annabelle's advisors

Goodwoman Béatrice Watron by AmélieIs

• Sieur Laurent Émorie, one of Annabelle's advisors

Sieur Laurent Emorie by AmélieIS with Artbreeder