Cruelest Mercy

<b>In this sequel to <i>The Kinder Poison</i>--which <i>People</i> magazine proclaimed a delicious high-stakes adventure--the magical kingdom of Orkena is on the brink of war and the only person who can save it is Zahru the girl they once doomed to death.</b> <p/>After surviving the Crossing Zahru has sworn off adventures. While Crown Prince Jet navigates the looming threat of war she's content to simply figure out what the future holds for them. But they're dealt a devastating blow when prince Kasta returns with a shocking claim: he's the true winner of the Crossing and the rightful heir and he bears the gods' mark as proof. Even more surprising--he's not the only one. <p/>Somehow Zahru possesses the very same mark giving her equal right to the throne. The last thing she wants is to rule beside her would-be executioner but she can't let Orkena fall into his merciless hands. So Zahru Jet and their allies must race against the clock to find a way to stop Kasta because once he's crowned there's no telling what horrors he'll unleash to win the war. <p/>Zahru will do whatever it takes to keep Kasta from taking the throne...but to stop a villain is she willing to become one herself?