The human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis plan to ally with one another, but their people certainly are not accustomed to one another. The Gauri are taken aback by the wolffish pointed teeth and sharp claws of the Kai, and the Kai by the darting equine pupil filled eyes and square teeth of the Gauri. But a Gauri noblewoman, fair of skin, blue of eye, red of hair; and a Kai prince, gray of skin, yellow of eye, black of hair, are to be married. Ildiko and Brishen, upon initial meeting, find each other absolutely hideous and equally charming.

The couple form a fast friendship built upon mutual respect, patience, understanding, and a desire for companionship.

“Loneliness is an empty void. We look for that friend in the light. Or in the case of humans, in the dark. Will you be that for me, Ildiko, that beacon in the void?”

“The void is vast, like the sea at night and no land in sight. I’ll be the beacon, Brishen.”

Grace Draven weaves together political intrigue and assassination attempts with the most beautiful romance, an epic slow burn. I’ve got to say I always thought I was a ‘villains to lovers’ girl, but this has to me dying for ‘friends to lovers’! And we are left with an epilogue that points us to where the next book may be headed, as long as there is more Brishen and Idilko, I’ll be happy!