Picking up where the first book left off Velasin and Caethari are now married and navigating the new waters of their marriage while dealing with assassins, politics, and trying to find love. Velasin is still dealing with his ptsd from the assault from a previous lover while trying to stewing in his own self misery and what he wants his relationship to Cae to be. Caethari is made the new heir to his grandmother and must travel to establish his title. Cae never wanted to lose his grandmother and is also still reeling from his sister's subsequent betrayal and her murdering the rest of their family. Cae is wracked with guilt and grief while Vel is struggling with trying to express what he wants and keeping everything to himself. They are both pursued by unknown assailants and are trying to navigate Qu-Xhan's court factions who are vying for power. Vel and Cae's relationship was a really slow burn one, the miscommunication, lack of talking to your partner, and just dumb decisions could be so grating but it paid off in the end. We are also introduced to Asterion, someone who is blackmailed to either seduce or kill Vel or Cae, by Vel's own family. Asterion doesn't want to do it but his mother's life is being threatened and he'd do anything to protect her... yet he finds himself drawn in by General Naza, someone who is powerful yet soft with him, someone who knows exactly what Asterion needs. Can Cae and Vel work out who is trying to kill them and finally be clear with each other about their feelings, or will they die before they even get to tell each other the truth. This was a really interesting second novel, it was hard at parts to read because you really do care for the characters and you want them to heal and be happy, but it's hard and difficult, and they do make frustrating decisions, but in the end it was a really great read and I can't wait for the second one.

*Spoilers: Cae and Vel do finally tell each other they love each other, and despite Asterion trying to seduce either of them they remained faithful and firm in their love for one another. Asterion manages to get his mother out safe and General Naza (quites his job) and they do become sort of lovers. Naza clearly cares for Asterion but they are unsure about their new feelings as Naza had left his post and he and Asterion traveled to meet Asterion's mother together. Cae and Vel find out that it was one of other tiern's who wanted power for herself and to marry Cae but she ends up killing herself after revealing the truth and making her heir Ethian (an innocent who had a crush on Vel). Markel , my icon, is still alive, hilarious, and healthy. We stay winning yall.

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*