Frosted Windows, Chilled Hearts

Princess Marjoriana "Jory" ("Jory") endures a frigid, sleepless night in Astranza's palace, dreading her forced marriage to Maddox Kyronan, the feared fire-mage king of Incendar. Her brother Dane, acting regent, is coldly determined to secure an alliance by marrying her off, ignoring her protests and pain. Jory's only comfort is the memory of her exiled childhood friend Asher, now a Hunter's Guild assassin. The kingdom's magic, her father's failing health, and rumors of Maddox's brutality all swirl in her mind, leaving her feeling powerless, isolated, and desperate for escape.

Midnight Reunion, Stolen Moments

Jory's prayers are answered when Asher slips into her room, their reunion charged with longing and bittersweet memories. They share confessions, comfort, and a stolen kiss, but the looming threat of her marriage and the kingdom's peril hangs over them. Asher's presence is both solace and temptation—he offers her a maid's disguise, a symbol of their old mischief and a possible escape. Yet, Jory's sense of duty wars with her desire for freedom and love, setting the stage for choices that will test her heart and loyalty.

Fire King's Arrival

As dawn breaks, Maddox Kyronan and his Incendrian soldiers arrive in Astranza, braving the kingdom's unnatural cold and darkness. Maddox is wary, exhausted, and aware of the tension his presence brings. His reputation precedes him—both as a ruthless warrior and a king desperate to save his starving people. The political intrigue stakes are high, and Maddox's own hopes for the alliance are tinged with cynicism and a flicker of longing for something more than a cold, strategic marriage.

Disguises and Discoveries

Disguised as a maid, Jory sneaks into the palace atrium, witnessing the Incendrian king and his captain firsthand. A tense, charged encounter ensues, with Jory and Maddox sparring in words and glances, neither revealing their true selves. When Dane intervenes, the truth unravels—Jory is the princess, Maddox is the king, and their first meeting is a collision of pride, fear, and unexpected connection. The stage is set for a relationship built on challenge and reluctant respect.

Orders of Death

Asher, back at the Hunter's Guild, receives two sealed assassination orders: one for Maddox Kyronan, sanctioned by Astranza's crown, and one for Jory, paid in Incendrian silver. Realizing both his friend and the king are marked for death, Asher is torn between duty, survival, and love. He resolves to protect Jory at all costs, even if it means killing the king and betraying the Guild. The web of political intrigue tightens, and Asher's choices will have deadly consequences.

Chains of Loyalty

Maddox and his men, uneasy in the palace, sense danger lurking in every shadow. Jory, after a fraught meeting with Maddox, is confronted by Asher, who reveals the assassination orders and urges her to flee. Torn between her kingdom and her heart, Jory hesitates, but Asher's urgency—and the threat to both her and Maddox—forces her to act. Loyalties are tested as the three are drawn together by necessity, suspicion, and the beginnings of trust.

Unraveling Trust

Jory and Asher orchestrate Maddox's abduction, spiriting him out of the palace through secret tunnels. The escape is fraught with violence, betrayal, and the blurring of lines between captor and captive. Maddox, bound and powerless, is forced to rely on his would-be enemies. Asher's ruthlessness is tempered by his devotion to Jory, while Jory's resolve is tested by the cost of her choices. The three form a fragile, uneasy alliance, united by the threat of a greater enemy.

Escape into Shadows

The trio flees through sewers and snow, pursued by assassins and haunted by their own secrets. Tensions flare as trust is hard-won—Maddox's strength and vulnerability, Asher's trauma and loyalty, Jory's courage and compassion all come to the fore. In the cold wilderness, they confront not only external threats but the wounds and desires that bind them. The journey is a crucible, forging bonds that are as dangerous as they are necessary.

Captive King, Reluctant Allies

Sheltering in a remote hut, the trio faces exhaustion, hunger, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. Maddox, stripped of power, reveals his humanity; Asher, marked by pain, reveals his scars; Jory, caught between them, reveals her heart. Through confessions, arguments, and moments of unexpected tenderness, they move from adversaries to reluctant partners. The lines between duty, desire, and destiny blur, setting the stage for deeper connection and greater peril.

Through Sewers and Snow

Their escape continues, each step a test of endurance and trust. Asher's skills and Maddox's leadership are both vital, while Jory's empathy becomes a lifeline. The trio faces not only physical dangers—hunters, cold, hunger—but also the emotional minefields of guilt, longing, and the fear of loss. In the crucible of survival, old wounds are reopened and new bonds are forged, hinting at the possibility of something more than alliance or survival.

Truths in the Cold

In the safety of Incendar's borders, the trio finds a brief respite. Around the campfire, truths are shared: Asher's trauma at the hands of slavers, Maddox's burdens as king and brother, Jory's loneliness and longing for agency. Forgiveness is offered and accepted, and the three begin to see each other not as enemies or tools, but as people—broken, brave, and worthy of love. The seeds of something new—trust, desire, hope—are sown in the cold night.

Bound by Betrayal

Hunters catch up to the group, attacking in the night. In a brutal, bloody fight, Maddox and Asher fight side by side, saving Jory and each other. The violence cements their bond, and the trio's alliance becomes unbreakable. Yet, the threat is not over—more assassins will come, and the political machinations behind the attacks remain a mystery. The three realize that only together can they hope to survive and protect what they have come to mean to each other.

Flames and Forgiveness

The group reaches Incendar, where Maddox's people greet him with desperation and anger over the kingdom's burning fields and famine. Jory witnesses the cost of war and magic, and Maddox's own pain at being unable to save his people. In the palace, secrets are revealed: Maddox's sister Victoria, whose uncontrolled magic may be the source of the fires; Jory's father's impending death; and the true depth of Asher's wounds. Forgiveness and understanding become the only path forward.

Return to the Palace

In Incendar's palace, the trio faces new challenges: Maddox's haunted relationship with his sister, the emptiness of royal life, and the ghosts of their own pasts. Jory and Asher's love deepens, but so does their connection to Maddox. The three find solace in each other, sharing stories, laughter, and the first hints of a love that defies convention. Yet, the threat of betrayal and war looms, and the cost of their choices grows ever clearer.

Dungeon and Deceit

Asher is imprisoned, accused of treason and conspiracy. In the dungeon, he faces old horrors and new wounds, branded and broken. Jory pleads for his life, but the political machinery grinds on. Maddox, torn between duty and compassion, claims Asher as his own prisoner, saving him from a worse fate. The trio's bond is tested by lies, pain, and the ever-present threat of death, but their loyalty to each other only grows stronger.

Flight from Astranza

With assassins still on their trail and the alliance in jeopardy, the trio flees Astranza for good, crossing into Incendar. The journey is perilous, but the danger draws them closer. In the wilds, they find moments of peace, laughter, and even joy, discovering that together they are stronger than the forces arrayed against them. The promise of a new life—and a new kind of love—beckons, even as the shadows of war and betrayal lengthen.

Hunters in the Night

In a remote inn, the group is attacked by more Hunters. The fight is brutal, but Maddox and Asher, now united, defeat their enemies. The violence is a crucible, burning away the last remnants of mistrust. In the aftermath, the trio finds comfort in each other's arms, their love deepening in the face of danger. Yet, the threat is not over—more enemies wait in the shadows, and the true mastermind remains hidden.

Border of Blood and Hope

The group finally reaches Incendar's capital, Lastalorre, but the kingdom is in crisis. Fields are burned, people are starving, and Maddox's rule is threatened by unrest and suspicion. Jory and Asher witness the cost of war and magic, and Maddox's own pain at being unable to save his people. The trio's love becomes a beacon of hope, a promise that together they can face whatever comes. But the political storm is only beginning.

Incendar's Burning Fields

Maddox's people confront him, blaming his magic for their suffering. Jory intervenes, forging a fragile peace and earning the people's trust. In the palace, the trio faces new challenges: Maddox's haunted relationship with his sister, the emptiness of royal life, and the ghosts of their own pasts. Together, they find solace, laughter, and the first hints of a love that defies convention. Yet, the threat of betrayal and war looms, and the cost of their choices grows ever clearer.

The Hall of Stars

In the palace's Hall of Stars, the trio shares stories, confessions, and dreams. The beauty of the place mirrors the beauty of their growing bond. Asher and Jory's love deepens, but so does their connection to Maddox. The three find solace in each other, sharing laughter, comfort, and the first hints of a love that defies convention. The night becomes a turning point, as desire and trust intertwine, forging a bond that will be tested by fire and blood.

Broken Soldiers, Healing Hands

Asher's trauma comes to the fore, and Maddox and Jory offer comfort and healing. The trio's love becomes a sanctuary, a place where broken soldiers and wounded hearts can find peace. Through touch, words, and the simple act of being together, they begin to heal the wounds of the past. The promise of a new life—and a new kind of love—beckons, even as the shadows of war and betrayal lengthen.

Night of Three

In the warmth of the palace, the trio finally gives in to their longing, sharing a night of passion, vulnerability, and love. Boundaries dissolve, and the three become one—each finding in the others what they have always lacked: acceptance, desire, and belonging. The night is a celebration of survival, hope, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. But the dawn brings new challenges, and the world outside their sanctuary is waiting.

Treachery Revealed

A new attack shatters the peace—assassins strike within the palace, and the truth is revealed: Dane, Jory's brother, has betrayed them, conspiring with Draegonis to destroy both Incendar and his own sister. Charlotte, Jory's lady, is unmasked as a pawn in Dane's plot. The trio must confront the reality that the war is not over, and that only together can they hope to survive and protect what they have come to mean to each other.

Vows of War and Love

With the truth revealed, Jory, Maddox, and Asher vow to fight together—not just for their own survival, but for the future of their kingdoms and the love they have found. Jory claims her right to the throne, Maddox pledges his army, and Asher offers his skills as a Hunter. Together, they are a force forged in fire, betrayal, and love—ready to face whatever comes, and to build a new world from the ashes of the old.

Characters

Marjoriana "Jory"

Jory is the princess of Astranza, raised in privilege but isolated by her family's political machinations and her own lack of magical power. Her relationship with her brother Dane is fraught—he sees her as a tool for alliance, not a person. Jory's only true friend is Asher, whose exile left her lonely and longing for connection. She is compassionate, clever, and braver than she believes, willing to risk everything for those she loves. Over the course of the story, Jory transforms from a passive pawn to an active agent of her own destiny, forging alliances, facing danger, and ultimately claiming her right to love and rule. Her emotional journey is one of self-discovery, agency, and the courage to defy expectations.

Asher

Asher, once a palace companion, is now a marked Hunter's Guild assassin, bearing the scars of slavery, betrayal, and violence. His love for Jory is deep and complicated, shaped by trauma and a sense of unworthiness. Asher's psychological wounds run deep—he flinches from touch, struggles with intimacy, and is haunted by the violence he's both suffered and inflicted. Yet, his loyalty is unwavering, and his capacity for love and sacrifice is profound. Asher's journey is one of healing, learning to accept love and trust, and finding a place where he belongs—not as a tool or a weapon, but as a person worthy of happiness.

Maddox Kyronan ("Ky")

Maddox is the fire-mage king of Incendar, renowned for his battlefield brutality and feared by friend and foe alike. Beneath his armor, he is a man driven by desperation to save his starving people, haunted by guilt, and isolated by the burdens of leadership. His relationship with his sister Victoria is tender but fraught—her uncontrolled magic may be the source of his kingdom's suffering. Maddox's psychological complexity lies in his struggle to balance ruthlessness with compassion, power with vulnerability. Through his connection with Jory and Asher, he discovers the possibility of love, trust, and healing, even as he remains a formidable force in war and politics.

Dane

Dane, Jory's older brother, is the acting regent of Astranza, driven by ambition, fear, and a willingness to sacrifice anything—including his sister—for power. His relationship with Jory is cold and transactional, and his political machinations set the story's events in motion. Dane's psychological profile is marked by insecurity, resentment, and a ruthless pragmatism that ultimately leads him to betray both family and country. He is a symbol of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive effects of power.

Victoria

Victoria, Maddox's younger sister, is a tragic figure—her mind is childlike, her magic wild and destructive. She is both a source of love and vulnerability for Maddox, and a possible cause of Incendar's suffering. Victoria's presence in the story is a constant reminder of the costs of war, the unpredictability of magic, and the burdens of family. Her relationship with Maddox is tender, protective, and fraught with sorrow.

Captain Sevin Zale ("Sev")

Sev is Maddox's closest friend and captain, a soldier whose loyalty and humor provide stability amid chaos. He is pragmatic, brave, and unafraid to challenge Maddox when needed. Sev's relationship with the other soldiers is one of camaraderie and mutual respect, and his presence grounds the group. Psychologically, Sev is a survivor, shaped by war but not broken by it, and his friendship with Maddox is a model of trust and support.

Lady Charlotte

Charlotte is Jory's lady-in-waiting, a figure of quiet strength and loyalty. Her role becomes more complex as she is revealed to be a pawn in Dane's betrayal, forced to act against Jory under threat. Charlotte's psychological struggle is one of fear, guilt, and the limits of loyalty. Her ultimate fate is a tragic reminder of the collateral damage of political games.

Roman, Callum, Garrett, Nikko

These four soldiers form Maddox's inner circle, each with distinct personalities—Roman the strategist, Callum the flirt, Garrett the stoic, Nikko the scarred survivor. Their camaraderie, banter, and loyalty provide both comic relief and emotional depth. Each is shaped by war, loss, and the need for connection. Their relationships with Maddox, Jory, and Asher reflect the story's themes of found family, healing, and the costs of violence.

King Theodore

Jory's father, King Theodore, is a distant, aging ruler whose weather magic has protected Astranza for decades. His illness and absence set the story's crisis in motion, and his relationship with Jory is marked by loss, regret, and the unspoken wounds of the past. He is a symbol of the old order—powerful but fading, leaving his children to face the consequences of his choices.

Master Pavok

Pavok is the head of the Hunter's Guild, a figure of authority and duplicity. His role in the assassination plots is ambiguous, and his true loyalties are revealed only late in the story. Pavok represents the dangers of hidden power, the corruption of institutions, and the ease with which trust can be betrayed.

Plot Devices

Dual and Triple POV, Interwoven Narratives

The novel alternates between Jory, Asher, and Maddox's points of view, allowing readers to experience the story's events—and the characters' inner lives—from multiple angles. This structure creates dramatic irony, as readers know more than any one character, and it heightens the emotional stakes by revealing each character's fears, desires, and misunderstandings. The shifting perspectives also allow for nuanced exploration of trauma, love, and trust, as each character's psychological wounds are laid bare and healed through connection.

Political Intrigue and Assassination Orders

The plot is propelled by assassination orders, secret negotiations, and shifting allegiances. The use of sealed orders, hidden payments, and double agents creates a web of suspicion and danger. Foreshadowing is used throughout—rumors of Maddox's brutality, hints of Dane's duplicity, and the ever-present threat of Hunters. The narrative structure mirrors the uncertainty of the characters' world, where no one can be fully trusted and every alliance is provisional.

Symbolism of Fire, Cold, and Magic

Fire and cold are not just magical forces but symbols of the characters' emotional states—Jory's isolation, Maddox's rage and longing, Asher's trauma and desire for warmth. The magic system is intimately tied to character psychology: Maddox's inability to stop fire mirrors his struggle to control his own power and pain; Jory's lack of magic reflects her sense of inadequacy and her journey to agency; Asher's scars are both literal and metaphorical. The interplay of elemental forces underscores the story's themes of healing, destruction, and rebirth.

Forced Proximity and Found Family

The plot repeatedly places the trio in situations of forced proximity—shared beds, chained wrists, flight through sewers and snow—forcing them to confront their fears and desires. The motif of found family recurs, as the trio and Maddox's soldiers form bonds of loyalty and love that transcend blood and duty. The narrative uses these devices to explore the healing power of intimacy, the possibility of trust after betrayal, and the creation of new forms of kinship.

Trauma, Healing, and Consent

The story foregrounds the psychological scars of its characters—Asher's trauma from slavery and violence, Maddox's guilt and isolation, Jory's loneliness and longing for agency. Healing is depicted as a slow, painful process, requiring vulnerability, honesty, and the willingness to accept love. The narrative is careful with issues of consent, especially in the trio's developing relationship, using dialogue and physical cues to ensure that intimacy is mutual and healing, not coercive. This focus on trauma and healing gives the story emotional depth and contemporary resonance.

Analysis

Warrior Princess Assassin is a romantic fantasy that subverts the tropes of arranged marriage, political intrigue, and the love triangle by centering trauma, healing, and the radical power of found family. Brigid Kemmerer crafts a narrative where survival is not just a matter of swords and magic, but of vulnerability, honesty, and the courage to love after betrayal. The novel interrogates the costs of power—personal, political, and magical—through its three central characters, each broken in their own way, yet capable of forging something new together. The use of multiple perspectives allows for a nuanced exploration of trust, agency, and the ways in which love can be both a weapon and a balm. The story's treatment of trauma—especially Asher's—feels contemporary and compassionate, refusing easy answers or magical cures. Instead, healing is depicted as a communal act, requiring patience, consent, and the willingness to see and be seen. The novel's ultimate message is one of hope: that even in a world scarred by violence and betrayal, it is possible to build a new kind of family, to claim power on one's own terms, and to choose love—not as a reward, but as a daily act of bravery.

Last updated: September 2, 2025