Empress Celene of Orlais rose to the throne of the most powerful
nation in Thedas through wisdom, wit, and ruthless manipulation.
Now the empire she has guided into an age of enlightenment is threatened
from within by imminent war between the templars and the mages, even as
rebellion stirs among the downtrodden elves. To save Orlais, Celene must
keep her hold on the throne by any means necessary. At her heels are
Grand Duke Gaspard, an Orlesian chevalier who believes the kingdom
deserves a new, stronger leader; and Briala, Celene's handmaid,
spymaster, and lover, who wants nothing more than to fight for her
people--the elves. Alliances are forged and promises broken as Celene
and Gaspard battle for the throne. In the end, however, the elves,
hidden and starving, may decide the fate of the masked empire
themselves.
This deluxe edition features twenty-four brand new illustrations by
Stefano Martino, Álvaro Sarraseca, Andres Ponce, and German Ponce in an
intricately designed, foil stamped hardcover!