The Thistle Queen and the Sunstone Heir

Juri Kaaret, the newly appointed Steward of the Sunstone Province, has one goal: to restore his dying land. He is methodical, kind, and respected, which puts him in direct opposition to Liena Sull, the infamous 'Thistle Queen' of the rival Sull Province. Liena is known for her coldness and brutal efficiency, snatching resources and opportunities with a ruthlessness that has made her a pariah among the nobility. Forced into a political pact to share control of the vital Nevan River, Juri is determined to outmaneuver her. Yet, the more he works with Liena, the more he sees glimpses of a shy, burdened woman behind the icy mask. He notices how her seemingly selfish actions inexplicably shield her people, especially her frail younger brother. Juri finds himself investigating two separate mysteries: the magical blight draining his province and the tragic secret behind Liena Sull’s cruelty. He soon realizes they aren't separate at all - they are two sides of the same devastating curse. Can he unravel the truth in time to save both their provinces, and the misunderstood woman he’s coming to admire?