A damn good book. Conn Iggulden. The Greatcoats have found the heir to the throne, but now they must keep her alive against all odds. Falcio Val Mond has fulfilled the last task given to him by the late King Paelis: he has found the King's Charoites (well, at least one). But his task is not yet complete, and now he, Kest, and Brasti must protect the girl from those who want her dead. This would be simple enough if it weren't for the rogue knights and the legendary Dashini assassins standing in their way, not to mention the dukes who are desperately trying to maintain their power at any cost, or Trin, the ruthless daughter of the unscrupulous Duke of Rijou and the cruel Duchess of Hervor, who is determined to become Queen of Tristia. Of course, it doesn't help that the marriage alliance to the throne is thirteen years old, nor that each day brings Falcio closer to death from the poison coursing through him.