I found this story to be convoluted and messier than it needed to be. I liked the characters and understood the premise but just wasn't super invested.

This book proved me wrong in thinking I could never forgive Cathal for what happened in Book 1. Although it's not necessary to read the previous book, it does help to read it especially since some of the characters from the first book are featured which I greatly enjoyed the update on.

The worldbuilding was great in this just as it was in its predecessor. Although it was slow at times and I did find some parts to be predictable, I really enjoyed the depth of character development that came in this book. Cathal's transformation from a staunch, traditional yes-man to his father to a more playful, fun character as Flavian drew more of his personality out was really nice to read. I really enjoyed Flavian's character as well and his feisty and brave attitude. And the romance was really sweet, especially with all of the obstacles the pair had to face. The addition of all of the court intrigue and spywork going on was also a welcome change from the first book.

Etan was one of my favorite characters so far throughout these books so I'm eager to read the next one which focuses on him.

A wonderful second addition to the Chronicles of Tournai series. Cathal and Flavian were well-written, fully realized characters and I enjoyed their story immensely, it was a great story against the backdrop of the political intrigue going on. I am really enjoying this series and I cannot wait to read more of this amazing world and it's brilliantly written characters.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*

This is the second book in a fantasy series, and likely best enjoyed when read in sequence, though it can be read as a standalone.

Cathal is the eldest son of a Grand Duke in Tournai, a small but wealthy country with a bustling port in the capital city of Jumelle. Cathal's cousin is the Crown Prince Philip, and Cathal is his advisor and personal secretary. Cathal is 25 and is startled to learn that his father has arranged a marriage for him, to a cousin of the Emperor of Ardunn. This marriage proposal was arranged without both Cathal, or Philip's, knowledge or consent. Politically, this was a huge overstep by Cathal's father, because Ardunn is a warring nation bent on conquest, and offending the Emperor by breaking this betrothal could be an encitement to war. Also, emotionally, Cathal has been a dutiful and respectful son, though his father laments his "lack of ambition". His father has recently created some large protocol offenses regarding Philip's marriage to his husband and consort Amory. Philip is concerned his uncle is hatching some power play for the control of Tournai.

Flavian is an Ardunnian artist with the Talent to read the heart of any person that he draws in a portrait. The Emperor, who trusts few of his advisors or court, planned to make ample use of Flavian's magic, and Flavian knew he could not live in that capacity. Also, matches between men are illegal in Ardunn, and a man cannot make his own way in the country until he is 30 years old, so for all these reasons Flavian decided to run from Ardunn. He is a good friend to Velia, the woman betrothed to Cathal--and they hatch a plan to transport Flavian to Tournai, disguised as a female companion to Velia, when she leaves to Tournai. It's upsetting and humiliating for Flavian to masquerade as Lady Flavia for the three-week boat journey. He cannot wait to escape as soon as they make land. However, Flavian's plans are scuttled when their party is not lodged in a house in Jumelle, but is instead welcomed by Princess Elodie, Philip's younger sister, and taken to the palace to stay. Escaping the palace is not easy trick and Lady Flavia is expected to accompany Lady Velia to all of her attendant parties and excursions in the palace. It's especially hard for Flavian to continue his ruse under the scrutiny of Cathal--who develops and unwanted attraction to the mysterious Lady Flavia.

So, it's a mismatch, and an intrigue. Philip and Cathal are hunting Ardunnian spies, and a chance encounter first puts Lady Flavia in their sights. Even Cathal's growing attraction would not save Flavian if he were a spy--which he is not. Flavian is nearly consumed with jealousy for the acceptance of male-male pairings in Tournai, and wants to find a loving partner, and to get his life back as soon as possible. Because of the intrigue, he must continue his masquerade, but Cathal's love grows and shelters Flavian in many ways.

Cathal wants out of his betrothal, and Philip is working to find out the specifics of the marriage agreement to see how he can disentangle his dear cousin from Velia--who seems to be a decent woman, but not one that Cathal truly loves. She's aloof and Cathal's attempts to develop a rapport are shut down with courtly manners and meaningless flirtations. While Velia is the perfect partner for Cathal--in his father's eyes--Cathal is almost despairing what he feels will be a loveless marriage--and for what reason? He's a grown man, and his father has never respected him as a man--and even less in his duties for Prince Philip.

I really liked the comparisons between Flavian and Cathal's circumstances. These men are near each other in age, but have less common experiences. Flavian knows that he will be summarily despised in Ardunn for just being himself, and is willing to take drastic steps to find a way to live his life in freedom. Cathal has been duty-bound since birth to be an advisor to his Prince, and to raise heirs for the dukedom. Yet, when he falls for Flavian he isn't put off by his masculinity. Cathal has had two years of observing the close and loving relationship between Philip and Amory, both of whom he respects quite keenly. He was prepared to sacrifice his personal happiness for his father's ideals, but not once he developed such a strong bond for Flavian--and not when he cannot really bear his betrothed. Cathal is prepared to abandon his life, and build a new one, when fate intercedes.

There are a lot of nice relationship and world-building elements in this story--with a bit of magic and some shifter activity, though it is a small part of the story. Court intrigue and spies are big parts of the conflict here. The physical attraction for Cathal and Flavian picks up at their first meeting. They develop a more intimate friendship than is proper for their difference in station and circumstances. We have a front row seat to Cathal's growth as a man. He has to value himself above his father's opinion, and he has to reorganize his thinking about the attractions he's had toward men--and always Suppressed. Flavian is sure that Cathal only likes him in women's clothes, and that his attraction is sure to be short-lived. What man of Cathal's position could truly love an asylum-seeker with a regrettable Talent that could bring the ire of Ardunn's emperor. And, Velia's taunts later reinforce Flavian's doubts.

There are certainly a lot of twists, though I kind of expected the biggest one. The climax is appropriately thrilling, and the love story for Cathal and Flavian is difficult, due to circumstances being less than ideal. They have frantic assignations, and use secret passageways to maintain their secret trysts. The bond between them grows out beyond attraction into affection and eventually love. The whole story takes place over a couple of months--but the passage of time was a little hard to gauge at times. The end is definitely happy and resolved in a way that we can accept Cathal and Flavian are building a future together. I have enjoyed both books in this series, and am hopeful there will be another.