The King's blade / by Bernadette Rowley

A princess whose mission is to be queen. A secret shifter, at the right hand of the king. Will their love be enough to bind them? As Alecia Zialni pulls her people together, she fears she doesn't have the skills or the support to accomplish her ultimate goal. Vard Anton is now the king's most trusted advisor, but his secrets could topple him, and his sudden rise has delivered powerful enemies. Yearning for Vard's support in her political aspirations, Alecia is crushed when he offers her marriage instead. As the enemy elven forces move on Thorius and its allies, will Alecia accept Vard's proposal or forge ahead with her plans? And can Vard save the king and Thorius from the elven menace before his secrets are exposed?