Heart of Crystal

Résumé

Ever since her family was kidnapped, Azara, a woman of fire mage stock, has survived with a warrior's will and the hope of one day finding them. Whispers of their fate have finally led her to the Empire, where her brother and sister are now prized possessions of His Celestial Majesty's court. Unable to immediately negotiate their freedom, Azara reluctantly agrees to the Emperor's suggestion: accompany his devoted magus Jin across their rival's border in search of other fire mages while her siblings remain in the Emperor's hands.

Posing as married tea merchants, Azara and Jin's masquerade begins. For a fierce young woman devoted to a heartening cause, and a man beholden to his duties, it's an uneasy alliance—but one that quickly turns passionate.

It's also a dangerous proposition, for although the attraction between Jin and Azara is real, both the Emperor and Azara have ulterior motives. It's only when Azara explores her unique powers and puts her faith in Jin that their fight for family—and for their very destiny—can succeed.