Eos, New York, 2002, 1^st/1^st.  ISBN 0-380-97462-2.  Hard cover, 358 pages.  Near fine, appears unread.  Dust jacket with price intact shows some rubs and scratches.  Interior clean and unmarked.  ‘Civil war is Chivial’s grim destiny, as Malinda – now Queen – desperately searches for a way to preserve her rule and her realm.  In this bloody labyrinth of schemes and betrayals, the few stalwarts whom she can be sure of are the Blades of the Royal Guard – each one bound to absolute loyalty by the magical ritual of a sword stroke through the heart.  These are men – the only men – she can trust to the death.  But the Blades themselves are in grave peril, as the people rise up against them.’ (from front flap)