Book 2 of the Blade of Empires series.
As an empire burns, hearts are tested, and loyalties are pulled in dangerous directions.
Blades and Betrayal continues the slow-burn, high-stakes journey that began in Kiss of the Blade—where empires fall, hearts falter, and forbidden longing may prove deadlier than war.
The Aurean Empire is on its knees. The deadly spread of scorchblight accelerates its ruin, while political unrest tears through the Gilded Court. With House of Veyren now branded traitors, and Emperor Akseli standing trial for treason, the court turns into a chessboard of power plays, betrayals, and quiet vengeance.
Supreme Commander Draeger, forged for war and bound by loyalty, finds his unshakable discipline faltering. Tensions rise, as does the temptation of an old flame—one with ambition in her eyes and desire in her heart. And in a court built on secrets, desire becomes a weapon. And Draeger is no longer certain which blade cuts deeper: the sword at his side… or the blades of betrayal.
Far from court, Tors leads a desperate mission to locate the lost city of Glimreach and reopen the last waygate—the empire’s last hope of survival. Yet her greatest challenge may not be from the hidden factions that seek to sabotage her, but from one whose steadfast loyalty has begun to kindle something deeper, and far more dangerous, in her heart.
Old passions stir. New temptations arise. And as enemies close in, Draeger and Tors must decide if love is a risk the empire can survive.