BLOOD TIES Prince Arslan and his allies have reached the citadel of Peshawar, but even among fellow Parsians, they can’t rest easy. In the midst of war, rumblings of King Andragoras’ dark past have resurfaced, bringing even Arslan’s right to the throne in question. The prince and his friends have counted on loyalty to Pars, but with doubt over the rightful succession, does that loyalty still include Arslan? He must confront who he is—and what his enemies really want—in a showdown with Hilmes. Meanwhile, another conflict over a throne in the Southern kingdom of Sidhura draws Arslan’s group into a fight between brothers. Will they be pulled further into war, or can they leverage this new development in their favor?

News of Turan’s opportunistic invasion reaches Arslan, while his armies have already made a quick return to come to the defense of Peshwar castle. To the east, the now free Andragoras begins plotting his next steps—but so is Hilmes. While one battle begins to look up, another, much fiercer has already begun to bear down on the young prince.

A revelation of identity seems to set long-awaited plans in motion–however, Guiscard has other ambitions, unbeknownst to those who seek his alliance. And beyond hidden motives are the hidden strengths of those thought to be lost, heralding returns that will complicate things even further. Amidst the unfolding plots to capture the throne, a surprise attack threatens all parties, and the gears of war begin turning in a new direction …

"Minako likes her best friend Saki because she is free, wild and uninhibited. Over time, her feelings for Saki slowly evolve way beyond friendship ..."--Page 4 of cover.

PRINCE ARSLAN TAKES A STAND Though Arslan and his party have escaped Kharlan's forces, Kharlan will stop at nothing to capture the former prince of Pars. To draw out Arslan, Kharlan has an underhanded plan to massacre innocent villagers until the prince makes his appearance, but Arslan will not stand idly by while the lives of his people are at stake, so he heads out to take on Kharlan and his army of over one thousand soldiers. Though it may seem like Arslan's sense of justice is far from strong enough to take on Kharlan's overwhelming military might, with Narsus' razor-sharp wit, Daryun's unmatched prowess as a soldier, Elam's excellent bow skills, and the help of two new and formidable allies, Arslan has more than a fighting chance to prevail and journey closer to reclaiming his once lost kingdom. From the Trade Paperback edition.

WHERE LOYALTIES LIE Prince Arslan finds himself gifted with 3,000 cavalrymen for aiding Rajendra in the capture of his traitorous brother, Gadhevi. But the king’s two-faced generosity is clouded with greed as he sets to ambush Prince Arslan and his Parsian army late in the night. And later, in Peshawar Fortress, more trouble lurks as a shadowy figure silently stalks Arslan and his retinue in search of a secret letter.