The World of Reforged Series by Seth Haddon

Prince Zavrius has spent his life in the shadow of his family’s power, fifth in line to a throne he will never claim. While his eldest brother Theo schemes and the court buzzes with whispers of war, Zavrius is tasked with proving his worth by demonstrating swordsmanship at a royal ceremony—a skill he sorely lacks. Enter Balen, a rising star in the Paladin Order, who stumbles upon Zavrius’ struggles and offers to train him... morePrince Zavrius has spent his life in the shadow of his family’s power, fifth in line to a throne he will never claim. While his eldest brother Theo schemes and the court buzzes with whispers of war, Zavrius is tasked with proving his worth by demonstrating swordsmanship at a royal ceremony—a skill he sorely lacks. Enter Balen, a rising star in the Paladin Order, who stumbles upon Zavrius’ struggles and offers to train him. Balen is everything Zavrius isn’t: disciplined, unflinching, and steadfastly loyal to his duty. But as the two spend stolen hours together, a bond begins to form—one that defies their stations and the chaos brewing around them. Meanwhile, Zavrius’ mother, Queen Arasne, hides a deadly illness, determined to maintain the fragile peace she’s built. With nobles pushing for war and Theo’s simmering hatred threatening to ignite, Zavrius finds himself drawn into the court’s dangerous undercurrents. And through it all, his feelings for Balen deepen, even as he knows their love is doomed. Set five years before the events of Reforged, Crucible is a sweeping tale of passion and heartbreak, tracing the forbidden love that would one day shape the fate of a kingdom. less

Since time immemorial the warriors of the Paladin Order have harnessed arcane powers to protect their rulers. For Balen, who has given up his chance at love and fought his way to the top of the Paladin Order, there can be no greater honor than to serve his king. But when assassins annihilate the royal family, Balen suddenly finds himself sworn to serve the very man he abandoned... moreSince time immemorial the warriors of the Paladin Order have harnessed arcane powers to protect their rulers. For Balen, who has given up his chance at love and fought his way to the top of the Paladin Order, there can be no greater honor than to serve his king. But when assassins annihilate the royal family, Balen suddenly finds himself sworn to serve the very man he abandoned. Now with their nation threatened by enemies both within and outside the kingdom, Balen must fight hidden traitors and unnatural assassins, while also contending with the biting wit and dangerous charm of young King Zavrius. To save themselves and their nation they will have to put aside their past and reforge that trust they lost so long ago. less

When the Rezwyn Empire mysteriously cuts diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Usleth, merchant lord Oren Radek is sent to investigate. But when he discovers a coup brewing against the emperor, Radek's life and his country's safety is suddenly under threat. Izra Dziove, visionary advisor to the Rezwyn Emperor, is trying to hold the turbulent Rezwyn court together while being plagued by dreams of his fated man... moreWhen the Rezwyn Empire mysteriously cuts diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Usleth, merchant lord Oren Radek is sent to investigate. But when he discovers a coup brewing against the emperor, Radek's life and his country's safety is suddenly under threat. Izra Dziove, visionary advisor to the Rezwyn Emperor, is trying to hold the turbulent Rezwyn court together while being plagued by dreams of his fated man. But when Izra’s adversaries launch an attack on the diplomatic party from Usleth, he is forced to take action to protect them and prevent a war. Forced to trust one another, both men must put aside their differences to save the future of both their nations, while also contending with the growing attraction between them— all while trying to understand their mysterious connection and the forces guiding their shared destiny. Can their fated love change the destiny of nations? less

Saba Vasili, a scholar of the astral sea, faces a harrowing an arcane device he designed has malfunctioned and an entire district of the city has been obliterated and a foreign dignitary has been killed. Charged with murder, Saba is incarcerated on the orders of Byrengrad's ruling council, the Triad. Ambassador Luan Zek of the Rezwyn Empire is dispatched to take custody of the alleged murderer of his countryman... moreSaba Vasili, a scholar of the astral sea, faces a harrowing an arcane device he designed has malfunctioned and an entire district of the city has been obliterated and a foreign dignitary has been killed. Charged with murder, Saba is incarcerated on the orders of Byrengrad's ruling council, the Triad. Ambassador Luan Zek of the Rezwyn Empire is dispatched to take custody of the alleged murderer of his countryman. But seeing Saba's pathetic state, Zek questions whether Saba is truly guilty or only the Triad's scapegoat. With Byrengrad's fate in the balance, Saba and Zek must uncover the truth behind the arcane catastrophe and stop the malfunctioning device that is jeopardizing the fabric of their whole world. less