The Witch Queen - Heather Walter

An alluring, vengeful origin story that brings tremendous dimension to the classic fairy tale' CHLOE GONG, NO. 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF IMMORTAL LONGINGS__________THE WICKED QUEEN'S STORY DID NOT END WITH A HAPPILY EVER AFTER. AND SHE WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY.With the king bound to her magic mirror and his daughter, the rightful heir, hidden away in the countryside, Queen Ayleth has the kingdom entirely at her command. Despite her ultimate power, Ayleth finds herself consumed: With fears that the witches from her former coven will return to depose her. With the dread that someone at the palace will discover her secret. With her own deepening dark magic. And with thoughts of her lost love, Jacquetta-the witch whose betrayal still haunts Ayleth as stubbornly as the lingering scent of juniper. But Ayleth's carefully-built world begins to unravel when Princess Blodwyn returns from exile in the company of Margaret, the king's scheming sister, and reveals a plan of her own: To invoke Braxos Trials, a contest of bravery, wisdom, and justice that will allow Blodwyn to retake the throne. Ayleth suddenly discovers herself in danger of losing the crown she sacrificed everything to win-and she will do anything to retain control. And Ayleth isn't the only one struggling with her altered position. Blodwyn's homecoming soon proves more difficult than she imagined. Embroiled in Ayleth's viperous court, Blodwyn is surrounded by enemies and plagued by rumors of a long-buried curse come to life. As family secrets resurface, the princess isn't sure who-or what-she can trust. Especially when she may be falling for one of her rivals in the trials. As the battle for the realm intensifies, both Ayleth and Blodwyn find themselves fighting not only for the throne, but for the truth of their own souls. Soon, they must each decide: What price are they willing to pay to wear the crown? Pay the price of blood and snow: Snow White's wicked queen rises to her destiny in the second book of a queer, witchy duology from the author of Malice.