The Dark Flame Series by Katherine Whiteheart

Ailikaya Aesa has attempted to hide from her responsibilities from the moment they were thrust upon her. But when her kingdom’s fate falls on her shoulders, she agrees to learn to hone her abilities and train with one of her father’s most prized guards, Ilias Dothrae.Will the two of them be able to set aside their differences to save the only world Ailikaya has ever known?

Banished from her life of luxury and her high-ranking status in the Credulan Court, Carys Elletara had no other option than to become comfortable in her life of servitude. Working as a farm-hand, far away from the only other life she knew, her world comes crumbling down when the King and Queen die unexpectedly.To make this tragedy even more life altering, Carys is dragged back to Credula (kicking and screaming) to marry the heir to the throne... moreBanished from her life of luxury and her high-ranking status in the Credulan Court, Carys Elletara had no other option than to become comfortable in her life of servitude. Working as a farm-hand, far away from the only other life she knew, her world comes crumbling down when the King and Queen die unexpectedly.To make this tragedy even more life altering, Carys is dragged back to Credula (kicking and screaming) to marry the heir to the throne.Damieren Thepyra is the crown prince of a crumbling kingdom on the cusp of war and the biggest thorn in her side. Once best friends, once lovers, and now strangers having to set aside their differences and a pain-filled past in order to rebuild their kingdom.Faced with the traumas of their past, healing, forgiveness, and discovering oneself, The Rise of the Darkest Flame is tale of second chances and finding power in truth. less

After discovering the truth of her once hidden powers, Carys Elletara was been taken captive by Dagan Delanis and shows no signs of submitting to his ill-willed ideologies. The world around her is unraveling. With each truth uncovered, a new thread is untangled and revealing a history of a world that once existed only in stories.Damieren Thepyra’s only goal is to get her back... moreAfter discovering the truth of her once hidden powers, Carys Elletara was been taken captive by Dagan Delanis and shows no signs of submitting to his ill-willed ideologies. The world around her is unraveling. With each truth uncovered, a new thread is untangled and revealing a history of a world that once existed only in stories.Damieren Thepyra’s only goal is to get her back. With the continent at war, he is torn between the desire to rescue his beloved and vanish from any semblance of harm, but his loyalty to the crown and the idea of a better world for the people he loves also hangs in the balance.With hidden truths revealed, the two use them as a driving force to right the wrongs of their ancestors. With the help of old and new friends and an Awakened Queen, Damieren and Carys embark on a journey of retribution and redemption.The only question is… will there be enough time? less