The fourth book in the cult historical fantasy cycle by Vera Kamsha «Reflections of Eternity».
A prince born in exile has returned his ancestors’ crown. The usurpers’ dynasty is overthrown, the most dangerous of the enemies is captured. The young king has to gather the ancient relics and rule long and wisely, surrounded by beloved friends and faithful vassals. What a happy ending for a fairy tale—and what a terrifying beginning for the Circle…
Swords strike, chains clink, war horns blare. Reality mixes with delirium: white pretends to be black, and black turns out to be white. There was no betrayal—because betrayal was… and is. And winter isn’t just close; it has already come. The Time of the Winter Breaking is when stones must be gathered—but they are still stubbornly being scattered.
Names change and monuments fall. Old secrets wrap themselves in new lies. Friendship dies, and hatred is born. Ship cannons thunder, hammers and sledgehammers strike the groaning marble. The wine fountain blasts, and among corpses dances a strange girl with no shadow on her head—a crown. A crown like two drops of water, resembling the new king’s. What a terrible beginning.