Crown of Ash

Aelin is crowned in the ruins before her father's pyre cools.

The banner lords swear fealty with fingers crossed behind their backs.

A poisoning at the coronation feast points to the queen's own guard.

The last dragon refuses the queen's summons — and answers someone else's.

An exiled fleet returns flying her dead brother's colors.

Peace is signed in a burned temple; nobody reads clause nine.

The provinces starve while the granary lords feast; Aelin lights a match.

The citadel burns twice.