Tiger Burning Bright — Marion Zimmer Bradley; Mercedes Lackey

The House of the Tiger has skillfully ruled Merino in times of peace. But now the indomitable armies of the Emperor Baithasar stand poised to crush the vulnerable city/state. And in the enemy's midst is the gray mage Apolon--foul necromancer who serves the Dreadful Dark...and whose mission it is to satisfy his Master's terrible hungers with living souls, the Heart of a Goddess, and the blood of a Princess.

For Adele, aging Dowager Queen; for ruling Queen Lydana; and for Princess Shelyra, lithe, impetuous, ingenious Designated Daughter, the battle seems hopeless--for they possess no defense, save for their wiles and weapons of the spirit. But the Tiger is a cunning beast, not to be underestimated. And when cornered, she bares her teeth...and strikes.