The sequel to The Bones of Dead Kings.
 
A crown grows heavier the longer one wears it. A throne sinks roots into skin, until king and kingdom are one and the same.
 
Away on campaign, Enu-Ayya learns of a plot against his life—instigated by none other than Menakheref's father. The tender threads connecting the two men are already frayed by distance and time, and now Enu-Ayya has no choice but to sever them completely. An empire cannot endure if it is not protected, even from those he would rather cherish than overcome.
 
Menakheref bears the crown alone now after the passing of his father, left holding the blame for a betrayal not his own. War is at his border, led by a man he once risked everything to touch. To defend his people from subjugation, Menakheref will lay aside his own desires and face an enemy made more terrible by his affection than his dark magic.
 
The cost of choices made by pride, of heels dug in sand that should be yielded, is paid by more than kings themselves. Menakheref and Enu-Ayya must both decide whether the price is higher to conquer or to concede.