Assassin Queen — Chandra Ryan

At sixteen Lilavati was banished from her mother's kingdom by her stepfather. She was the rightful heir, but with the queen carrying a new child she had to choose between exile or death. Instead of facing the executioner, she fled in the middle of the night like a common thief -- leaving behind everyone and everything she ever loved, including the dashing knight who'd stolen her young heart, Naresh.

Now, ten years later, Lilavati isn't the naive, helpless princess she'd once been. Life on the run has hardened her. It's also given her time to formulate a plan to take back the kingdom that should be hers and access to criminals, assassins, and a ruthless spell-caster named Kirin who can make that plan a reality. If she can keep the sorcerer focused on the goal and not the ill-advised attraction between them, that is. When she hears of her mother's death, she knows it's time to act. She will have everything that is rightfully hers. But she's not the only one that's changed since her departure. Her once strong kingdom is dying. It needs a savor not a conqueror.

Kirin agreed to work with Lilavati because he enjoys being near the aloof princess. He's drawn to her confidence and determination. But when she starts using that determination to keep him at a distance, he's not nearly so fond of the attribute. A promise she made to another ten years ago is keeping her out of his bed. When he discovers her knight in shining armor is married and has kids, though, all bets are off. But no matter how many times he shares her bed, it's not enough. He'll have to figure out a way to make the princess surrender her heart. It's not going to be easy with his reputation. But if he can save her kingdom, he might have a shot.