How does one conquer a kingdom without spilling blood? You offer your hand in marriage to the king who killed your husband.. Almira was raised by a calculating father who forged her in political cunning. Recently widowed, she boldly offers her hand in marriage to the king who defeated and killed her husband. She’s determined to establish alliances that would stabilize the land. They call King Alton the brother-killer, the spare heir who killed his brother for lust of throne. Almira is not intimidated by his reputation, she will meet him as an equal and if she cannot conquer him, she will certainly conquer his people. His one request upon agreeing to marry her is that she must have dinner with him every night. A small request that erupts a battle of wits as the two try to outmaneuver one another and battle for the kingdom.Her father’s house falls into chaos when the heir runs away and demands to be Almira’s guard. Her councils are littered with political enemies and despite her marriage the kingdom is at the verge of war.With so much doubt and uncertainty wearing a crown is more complicated than Almira ever anticipated. The only aspect of her life that remains steady is her Queen’s Red Guard, a group of warrior women who have one purpose; to protect the Queen at all costs. Even from her husband. Even from herself."Men will never be ready for women like us and it is not our job to ready them."