A Somber Duty

Cassian Montague was second only to the king—commanding power and respect above all others. Even the king himself had to show him deference.

Three years ago, he led troops into battle. When he returned, he was gravely poisoned and slipped into a coma from which he never awoke.

Despite the best efforts of countless imperial physicians, no cure could be found. Now, his condition had worsened—he was