The Queen's Dance, Book Two of Heart and Hand Series (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798985704112)

To save a kingdom, she must first sacrifice everything.

Lady Claire is the brightest addition to the queen's retinue, but she hides a secret that could change the fabric of Aurelia: the ability to foretell another's fate. Her curse has only brought her sorrow, and because of it, she vows never to give away her heart.

Trian, a shy Aurelian Guard, has fallen hard for Claire, and when King Godwin assigns him to escort her across the realm, he hopes to change her mind.

He may be the one person who is immune to her powers, and friendship takes hold. Trian teaches her his unique way of seeing the world, and Claire tutors him in the healing arts. She realizes too late that she has done that which she promised she would never do: she falls in love.

Her greatest fear is realized when Trian is knocked down by deadly quarrels. The assassins transport Claire far from Aurelia to the foreign lands of Nifolhad, a kingdom where spies listen to every whisper. To survive, she must ally herself with the powerful women from the Fenrhi Temple, some who possess the same unwanted power as she. Their customs and secrets seduce her, while plots and machinations drag her into the very heart of the battle for Nifolhad's throne.

But help comes from unexpected places, and if Claire ever hopes to return to Aurelia and to those she loves, she must finally embrace her curse as a gift.

"...a fantastic epic romance that kept me riveted from beginning to end... the romance in this story and how it culminates in the very (sizzling) end made me clap for joy." -Pat Esden, Author of the Dark Heart Novels

"So much more than a sweeping fantasy romance...Kelleher brilliantly captures the exotic and magical world of the Fenrhi women. This is the enchanting, strong, romantic, and powerful rebirth of spirit that every lost soul craves." ―Alexa Jacobs, author of Rising Ridge and The Dreamer

"Nicole E. Kelleher's book, The Queen's Dance, is built on a wide cast of likable characters and intense, intricate worldbuilding. Read with care; you will need (and want!) to pay attention to get the most from this distinguished and original story."-Ingrid Hahn, author of The Landon Sisters Series