Heirs of Willow North

Fiona, cursed with the power to ignite fire in a country where magic is illegal, wants to start a new life for herself, far from the mistakes of her past. A case of mistaken identity tangles her fortunes with those of the mysterious Sebastian, who intends to stop a blackmailer from destroying his family. Asked to help Sebastian infiltrate a sacred temple to find the damning evidence, Fiona soon goes from reluctant companion to trusted ally. But Sebastian's secrets go deeper than Fiona realizes. What began as a simple heist becomes a web of intrigue entangling the governments of two countries. As Fiona's deceptions grow deeper, she must find a way to redeem her honor-and embrace a future she believes impossible.

Elspeth North, born and raised far from her Tremontanan homeland, wants nothing more than the peaceful, holy life of a priestess. Although born a princess, she believes her father's abdication means politics and intrigue have nothing to do with her. But her cousin King Francis's untimely death and a twist of Tremontanan law changes her whole life…and makes Elspeth Queen of Tremontane. With no formal training, no experience, and very little support, Elspeth must learn the complex rules and traditions of a role she never expected to fill, and she must learn them fast-because the fate of a kingdom lies in her hands.

Veronica North, quiet and shy widow of the King of Tremontane, spends her days drifting from one charitable cause to another. Longing for something different, she returns to the Scholia, foremost educational institution in the country, to complete her education. At fifty, she is by far the oldest student there, but soon makes a place for herself within the community. When a friend and fellow student is murdered, the tragedy draws Veronica into the investigation. Despite official warnings to leave it alone, Veronica's determination to obtain justice for her friend brings her ever closer to the truth-and leads her to discover a side of herself she never knew existed.