Horses of Heaven — Gillian Bradshaw

It is a time of magic, 140 B.C., generations after the conquests of Alexander the Great. The empire he carved across a continent still stands as tribute. Its kingdoms thrive, governed by the descendants of Alexander: men, like himself, larger-than-life...almost godlike. -- One such kingdom is Ferghana, ruled by the king Mauakes, whose very name is synonymous with victory. Beloved, wise, and powerful, he has repelled every attempt to invade his land or usurp his throne. But now, aging and threatened by a persistent and formidable enemy, Mauakes seeks security in an alliance with the Bactrians...long the sworn adversaries of his people. The truce is sealed with the marriage of the old king to a beautiful Bactrian princess. But as surely as the horses of Ferghana are descended from the Sun god Helios, dark omens point to tragedy, passion, and downfall...