Blade of Fortriu — Juliet Marillier

Five years have passed since young king Bridei ascended the throne of Fortriu, and he is determined to finally drive the Gaelic invaders from his lands.

One of Bridei's plans involves the beautiful and well-loved princess of the Light Isles. Ana has dwelt as a hostage at the court of Fortriu for most of her young life and understands her duty. She will marry Alpin, a chieftain she has never seen, in the hopes of gaining a strategic ally for Fortriu.

When she arrives at his mysterious stronghold, her discomfort and unease mounts. The place is of full of dark secrets, and her betrothed is an enigma. Bridei's spymaster Faolan serves as her guard, but Ana fears his cold competence and killer's eyes.

Yet, in Alpin's web of polite diversions and deadly lies, Faolan may prove to be the truest thing in Ana's world.

Or her doom.