All These Broken Things

Alessia survived by stealing from soldiers, lying to kings, and keeping her daughter alive one day at a time. Then she’s caught by the wrong men. Rescued by two Aurean kings on the edge of a brutal war, Alessia finds herself trapped inside the enemy camp with a fever, a frightened child, and far too many secrets. Odrian, the cunning king of Othara, sees a political asset. Dionys, the war-scarred king of Kareth, sees someone trying desperately not to fall apart. But wars are built on suspicion, and kindness has a price. As the siege tightens around Tharos, Alessia’s past begins to surface: harbor ghosts, old betrayals, a ruthless warlord named Walus, and a hidden connection to the Aurean alliance itself. In a world of bronze, blood, and burning cities, survival is easy. Trust is harder. Especially when the people starting to feel like home are the enemy. Themes: Found family, war-time survival, trauma and recovery, reluctant trust, devotion through action, parenthood under catastrophe, political tension, and a slow-burn MMF relationship.