Winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel.
Phedre no Delaunay has a turbulent path before her, one that will touch the lives of queens, princes and nobility. It will change the course of her land, but this all lies ahead . . .
After a childhood of indentured servitude, Phedre's bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with a very particular mission. He's also the first to recognize who and what she is: one touched by the god Kushiel's dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.
As talented a spy as she is a courtesan, Phedre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Her journey will take her to the edge of despair and beyond, as false friends, loving enemies and beloved assassins can all wear the same glittering mask. Navigating a world of deadly courtiers, heroic traitors and a truly Machiavellian villainess, Phedre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.
