Oath of Ruin (The Warlord Chronicles, #1)

"The game of court is one I refuse to lose."

Oath of Ruin is the first in a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of Anathema, The Knight and the Moth, and Gild.

Raelys was born in a prison. To outsiders, it looks like a palace. But after a decade of war, even gilded walls begin to look like iron bars. Caged by politics and her father’s ambitions, Raelys has spent years sharpening her wit, yearning for the world outside the castle and a chance to fight this war on her own terms.

When her father forces her into an arranged marriage for his political gain, Raelys seizes control the only way she can: by striking a dangerous deal with Wrath, the ruthless enemy king. In exchange for her new kingdom, he grants her freedom, or so she believes. Bound to the King by a magic mark and trapped in the enemy kingdom, Raelys is forbidden to betray him—an impossibility when the fate of the realm depends on her doing just that.

Raelys must unravel Wrath’s kingdom from within, navigating a web of deception and desire that could cost her everything. And despite his reputation, Raelys finds her hatred for the king blurring into something far more dangerous. One distraction could destroy not only her heart, but the realm itself.

Now, Raelys has a choice to make: end the war or let it consume them all.

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Oath of Ruin is for readers seeking a story with detailed world-building, magic systems, court politics, and growth arcs.

Tropes you’ll love:
Enemies to lovers
Morally gray characters
Slow burn romance
Fated mates with a twist
Forced proximity
Unique magic systems