Sword & Shadow (Warriors & Mages #2)

Part IV The Countess of Keale

Should you succeed, you will have my undying gratitude, and I will see your family line secured in my empire. But know this: I desire that Warrior and will accept no other. Her role is more important than anything—in truth, she is even more important than the Relics. Her future belongs to me.

Gift her to me, and you shall receive more than a bloodline; I shall grant to you eternal life.

Excerpt from a letter from Crown Prince Rouland Blount II to his mistress, Lady Oriane Renaul, Countess of Keale