In the searing finale to the Bridge Kingdom series, love and war collide in a perilous battle to save Ithicana—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood. A fugitive on the run, Ahnna has one goal: return to Ithicana with warning of the greatest threat her homeland has ever faced. But as she escapes into the wilderness, it is with the man who broke her heart hunting at her heels—and James wants more than justice. He wants revenge. Desperate to prove his loyalty to his family, James ventures into dangerous territory to capture his father’s killer. But the longer he follows Ahnna’s trail, the more his certainty of her guilt is tested—and the more the passion they once shared reignites. As schemes twist tighter and war brews, Ahnna and James discover that the enemy isn’t each other—it is the masterminds manipulating them both in pursuit of power. Yet their greatest obstacle remains, because their loyalties are to opposing sides in the battle to come. As the storms of the Tempest Seas lower their defenses, James and Ahnna must choose where their hearts lie: on the battlefield, or in each other’s arms. Don’t miss any of Danielle L. Jensen's Bridge Kingdom series: THE BRIDGE KINGDOM • THE TRAITOR QUEEN • THE INADEQUATE HEIR • THE ENDLESS WAR • THE TWISTED THRONE • THE TEMPEST BLADE (April 14, 2026) Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood , A Curse Carved in Bone , and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-three languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs. 1 James “Three sets of eyes on her at all times,” James growled at his men. “This woman might well be the most dangerous individual you come across in your lifetimes. Keep her gagged. Keep her chained. And for the love of God, keep your f***ing wits about you.” “Yes, sir,” his lieutenant responded, but then his eyes slid to the prisoner. “How do you wish us to handle requests for privacy? She is a princess, and propriety demands—” “What do you value more, propriety or keeping your throat intact? Because I assure you, if you turn your back on this woman, you will regret it.” James gestured sharply to Hazel, who stepped forward, her expression frosty—as it had been since the moment the young maid had joined his company. “Hazel will ensure proper conduct, but when I say three sets of eyes on her at all times, I mean at all times. Am I clear?” “Yes, sir!” The men saluted sharply, and Hazel gave a tight nod, but James’s attention was all for the prisoner on her knees before him. Azure eyes tracked him, cold as ice. James knelt before Princess Bronwyn Veliant and met her stare for stare. “To reiterate, Your Highness, you are being released not because I believe you are innocent but as a courtesy to Queen Sarhina, with whom Harendell has no quarrel.” We’ll see how long that lasts. Bronwyn did not so much as blink, yet James resisted the urge to reach for his sword hilt, every instinct screaming danger. This woman had the same training as her sister Lara, which meant she’d spent most of her lifetime under the tutelage of the Magpie and his minions. Bronwyn was a killer to her core, and her dead-eyed stare promised that the moment she got her hands on a blade, it would have his name on it. Except there were many people who felt the same way about him, so she could get in line. “You will be delivered to Northwatch,” James continued. “You will relay a message to Ithicana’s king that he is to immediately turn over his sister for execution for the murder of King Edward and the attempted murder of Queen Alexandra. Should he comply, and should we discover proof Ahnna acted of her own accord, Harendell will reconsider its plans to retaliate against both Ithicana and its crown. Should Aren refuse, the full might of Harendell’s military will descend upon Ithicana’s shores, and you might remind Aren that we know all the ways in. That is the consequence of Ithicana’s choice to betray its oldest ally.” He pulled out Bronwyn’s gag. “Am I understood?” Her voice was hoarse as she asked, “And if Ahnna is not in Ithicana?” “It is my understanding that Lara maintains Ithicana’s spy network. A spy network unrivaled by any other nation. I suggest she put it to good use and find Ahnna before it’s too late.” James smiled, knowing full well it did not reach his eyes. “I’m sure Ithicana’s queen will give no argument. Ahnna is hardly a friend to Lara and has caused her no end of grief. If Ithicana is innocent of the princess’s crimes, then they no doubt wish to be rid of her. See it done, Your Highness—you’ve your own interests to protect.” The coldness in Bronwyn’s gaze transformed into rage. “If you lay a finger on Taryn, I’ll—” James shoved the gag back in her mouth, cutting off the inevitable threat. “Taryn will be treated as a lady right up to the point she is recast as a