Plot Summary
Blood and Betrayal
Kadeesha Mercier, archprincess and general of the Aether Kingdom, soars into battle atop her kongamato, Zahzah, with her all-female squadron. She is fierce, loyal, and determined to protect her home from the encroaching Apollyon fae. But her victories are overshadowed by the looming threat of a forced marriage to Rishaud, the Hyperion king, and a prophecy that binds her fate. Her father, King Sylas, values her only as a political pawn, dismissing her pleas to remain a warrior rather than a bride. The court is a nest of intrigue, and Kadeesha's every move is watched, her freedom slipping away as the machinations of kings and gods close in.
Daughter of Prophecy
The prophecy that Kadeesha will become high queen and bear a son destined to unite Nimani is both a blessing and a curse. Her betrothal to Rishaud is a political maneuver, and her own desires are irrelevant. The court prepares for the wedding, and Kadeesha's attempts to prove her worth as a general fall on deaf ears. Her closest friends, Leisha and Samira, stand by her, but even their loyalty cannot shield her from the machinations of her father and the Hyperion king. The weight of expectation and the threat of violence hang heavy, and Kadeesha steels herself for a future she does not want.
Kings and Kinship
In the north, Malachizrien Diamundis, newly crowned king of the Apollyon Court, is beset by internal dissent and the legacy of his parents' assassination. His aunt Nychelle and cousin Trystin urge him to marry and secure his rule, but Malachi is haunted by prophecy and the ever-present threat of the Cleric's Rebellion. He is ruthless, cunning, and determined to avenge his family. The court is a den of vipers, and Malachi's Cadre—his loyal inner circle—are both his strength and his shield. As war looms, Malachi sets his sights on the southern courts, plotting an audacious strike that will change the fate of Nimani.
The Enemy's Bed
On the eve of her wedding, Kadeesha seeks one last night of freedom at her secret pleasure club. There, she meets a mysterious, magnetic stranger—Malachi in disguise. Their night together is a tempest of passion and power, each testing the other's limits. Neither reveals their true identity, but both are left shaken by the intensity of their connection. The encounter is more than a tryst; it is the spark that will ignite kingdoms. When dawn comes, Kadeesha returns to her gilded cage, unaware that her lover is the very king who plots her court's downfall.
Schemes and Seductions
The day of the wedding arrives, and Kadeesha is paraded as a prize between two kings. Rishaud's arrogance and Malachi's calculated presence set the stage for disaster. The court is a theater of masks, and every gesture is a move in a deadly game. Kadeesha's attempts to assert her agency are crushed by tradition and prophecy. Meanwhile, Malachi's Cadre debate the fate of the Aether princess, torn between vengeance and the unexpected bond their king has formed. The lines between enemy and ally blur, and the seeds of chaos are sown.
The Wedding That Wasn't
The wedding ceremony erupts in bloodshed as Rishaud, enraged by Kadeesha's defiance, orders the slaughter of the Aether court. Kadeesha's father is killed, her people butchered, and her own life hangs by a thread. In the chaos, Malachi and his Cadre reveal themselves, turning the massacre into a three-sided battle. Kadeesha is forced into a desperate bargain with Malachi to save her friends. The old world burns, and Kadeesha is taken north as a captive, pawn, and potential queen. The prophecy's shadow grows longer, and vengeance becomes the only certainty.
Shadows in the North
In the cold, beautiful halls of the Apollyon palace, Kadeesha is both guest and prisoner. Malachi's court is a place of brutal politics and ancient magic, where every kindness is a calculation. Kadeesha bargains for the safety of her mother and her squadron, forging uneasy alliances with Nychelle and the Cadre. The tension between her and Malachi simmers, their mutual attraction complicated by betrayal and ambition. As the court prepares for war, Kadeesha must decide whether to play the role of victim, seductress, or queen.
A Queen's Bargain
Kadeesha and Malachi strike a series of bargains, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Kadeesha's squadron is granted sanctuary, and her mother is brought north, but every concession comes with a price. The court watches as Kadeesha is paraded as a war prize, her every move scrutinized. Malachi's Cadre test her mettle, and Nychelle probes her intentions. The two monarchs circle each other, their attraction deepening even as their trust frays. The game of thrones is played with blood and desire, and the stakes are nothing less than the fate of kingdoms.
Thrones and Threats
Malachi faces a formal challenge for his throne from his cousin Cassius, while the court seethes with intrigue. Kadeesha is targeted by assassins, and the true extent of the Cleric's Rebellion is revealed. Executions and inquisitions sweep the court, and new alliances are forged in blood. Kadeesha's own squadron is drawn into the violence, and the lines between justice and vengeance blur. As Malachi consolidates his power, Kadeesha must decide whether to be his partner or his rival.
The Marking
In a night of passion, Kadeesha and Malachi exchange Markings—an ancient, forbidden act that binds their magic and fates. The Markings deepen their connection, making it impossible to deny the pull between them. But the bond is as dangerous as it is intoxicating, threatening to unravel their carefully laid plans. As the court whispers of their union, Kadeesha grapples with the consequences of desire, power, and the possibility of love in the arms of her enemy.
Poison and Power
Poisoned gowns, treacherous nobles, and the ever-present threat of death force Kadeesha to confront the realities of power. She navigates the deadly politics of the Apollyon court, outwitting would-be assassins and forging new bargains with Malachi. The challenge feast becomes a crucible, where old enemies are executed and new lord primes are installed. Kadeesha's own ambitions sharpen, and she begins to see herself not just as a survivor, but as a player in the game of kings.
The Challenge Feast
The challenge for the Apollyon throne ends in violence, with Cassius and treacherous nobles executed before the court. Kadeesha claims her own vengeance, burning her enemies to ash. The feast is a spectacle of power, and Malachi's authority is unchallenged. Yet the cost is high, and the court is left reeling from the bloodshed. Kadeesha and Malachi stand side by side, their partnership forged in fire and death, but the specter of war with the Six Kingdoms looms ever closer.
Inquisition and Oaths
Malachi's inquisition roots out the last of the traitors, and new oaths are sworn. Kadeesha's pregnancy is revealed, a child of two courts and the living embodiment of prophecy. The vassal kings of the south are courted as allies, and a fragile peace is brokered. Yet trust is scarce, and every promise is a potential betrayal. Kadeesha and Malachi must decide whether to rule together or destroy each other, as the fate of Nimani hangs in the balance.
The Price of War
The Hyperion king launches a devastating attack, burning the Apollyon capital and slaughtering innocents. The horrors of war are laid bare, and Kadeesha and Malachi are forced to confront the true cost of power. The palace becomes a fortress, and every life is a debt to be paid. As the armies of the Six Kingdoms march north, the final battle draws near. Kadeesha's loyalty to her people and her love for Malachi are tested as never before.
The Child of Two Courts
Kadeesha's pregnancy is used as a political tool, a symbol of unity and a means to sway the vassal kings. The marriage between Kadeesha and Malachi is both real and a ruse, a union of necessity and desire. The court is divided, and the prophecy becomes a rallying cry. As the armies gather, Kadeesha must choose between her own ambitions and the future of her child. The fate of Nimani rests on the choices of a queen who was never meant to rule.
The Parley on the Peaks
Kadeesha and Malachi meet the vassal kings in a secret parley, offering peace and autonomy in exchange for loyalty. The monarchs are wary, but the promise of a new era is too tempting to refuse. Oaths are sworn, and the Seven Kingdoms are born in blood and hope. Yet Rishaud's shadow lingers, and the final reckoning is at hand. The high queen and king stand together, ready to face the storm.
The Last Battle
Rishaud's armies clash with the united forces of the Seven Kingdoms. The battlefield is a hellscape of magic, steel, and fire. Kadeesha and Malachi fight side by side, their love and power intertwined. The prophecy is fulfilled as Kadeesha strikes the killing blow against Rishaud, ending his reign of terror. The cost is immense, and the scars of war will never fully heal. But a new dawn rises, and the dream of unity is within reach.
The Seven Kingdoms
In the aftermath of war, Kadeesha and Malachi return to the Aether court, crowned as high queen and king of the Seven Kingdoms. The court is wary, but the promise of a golden age is real. Old wounds linger, and the challenges of rule are only beginning. Yet Kadeesha stands with her husband and her people, determined to forge a future worthy of the sacrifices made. The prophecy has been rewritten—not by gods, but by the choices of a queen who claimed her own destiny.
Characters
Kadeesha Mercier
Kadeesha is the archprincess of the Aether Kingdom, a warrior general, and the reluctant centerpiece of a prophecy that promises unity or destruction. Torn between duty and desire, she is shaped by the expectations of her father, the loyalty of her friends, and the machinations of kings. Her journey is one of self-assertion, as she transforms from pawn to player, from captive to queen. Her relationship with Malachi is both a battlefield and a sanctuary, marked by passion, betrayal, and the hope of something more. Kadeesha's psychological depth lies in her struggle to reconcile her own desires with the burdens of leadership, and her ultimate triumph is in claiming her fate on her own terms.
Malachizrien Diamundis (Malachi)
Malachi is the newly crowned king of the Apollyon Court, a man forged in the crucible of loss and vengeance. His parents' assassination and the prophecy that dogs his every step have made him both brutal and cunning. He is surrounded by loyal Cadre, but trust is a rare commodity. Malachi's relationship with Kadeesha is a tempest of power, desire, and vulnerability. He is both her captor and her partner, and their union is as much about survival as it is about love. Malachi's psychological complexity is rooted in his fear of failure, his need for control, and his longing for connection in a world that demands strength above all.
Rishaud Timmu
Rishaud is the Hyperion king, a zealot who wields prophecy as both weapon and shield. His need for control is absolute, and his cruelty is legendary. He is both the architect and the victim of his own downfall, unable to see beyond his own ambition. Rishaud's obsession with Kadeesha and the prophecy blinds him to the shifting tides of power, and his eventual defeat is as much a result of his own hubris as the strength of his enemies. He is a cautionary figure, a king undone by the very fate he sought to command.
Nychelle
Nychelle is Malachi's aunt and former queen regent, a woman of immense cunning and strength. She is both mentor and manipulator, guiding Malachi through the treacherous waters of court politics. Her relationship with Kadeesha is one of wary respect, and her influence is felt in every major decision. Nychelle's psychological insight and political acumen make her a formidable force, and her loyalty to family is both her greatest strength and her deepest vulnerability.
Leisha
Leisha is Kadeesha's childhood friend and second-in-command of the Nkita. She is bold, bloodthirsty, and unflinchingly loyal. Her relationship with Kadeesha is one of sisterhood, forged in battle and tested by loss. Leisha's psychological depth lies in her willingness to do whatever is necessary to protect those she loves, even as the world around her crumbles.
Samira
Samira is Kadeesha's third-in-command and closest confidante. She is the voice of reason and empathy, balancing Leisha's ferocity with her own quiet strength. Samira's journey is one of endurance, as she survives betrayal, injury, and the loss of her home. Her loyalty to Kadeesha is unwavering, and her resilience is a testament to the power of friendship and hope.
Trystin
Trystin is the grand duke of the Apollyon Court, Malachi's cousin, and his closest male confidant. He is a master of runes and political maneuvering, often serving as the voice of caution and reason. Trystin's relationship with Malachi is brotherly, marked by rivalry and deep affection. His psychological complexity is rooted in his desire to protect his family and his court, even as he navigates the shifting sands of power.
The Cadre (Shionne, Jakobi, Kiyun, Dedrick, Zayvier)
The Cadre are Malachi's inner circle, each with their own strengths, traumas, and loyalties. Shionne is icy and lethal, Jakobi is brash and charming, Kiyun is sharp and restless, Dedrick is stoic and violent, and Zayvier is the moral compass. Together, they are both shield and sword, the embodiment of Malachi's power and the scars of his past. Their psychological depth lies in their shared trauma, their fierce loyalty, and the ways they challenge and support both Malachi and Kadeesha.
Yashira
Yashira is Kadeesha's mother, a former concubine who has survived by her wits and her poisons. She is both a source of wisdom and a cautionary tale, her ambitions for her daughter both a blessing and a curse. Yashira's psychological complexity is rooted in her ability to adapt, her willingness to do whatever is necessary, and her complicated love for Kadeesha.
Zahzah
Zahzah is Kadeesha's kongamato, a war serpent of immense power and intelligence. Their bond is both magical and emotional, a partnership of equals forged in battle and trust. Zahzah is both weapon and companion, a symbol of Kadeesha's strength and the ancient magic that binds the world.
Plot Devices
Prophecy and Political Marriage
The central plot device is the prophecy that Kadeesha will bear a son to unite Nimani, driving every major decision and alliance. Political marriage is used as both a tool of oppression and a means of agency, with Kadeesha's body and future contested by kings, courts, and gods. The prophecy is both a curse and a source of power, shaping the narrative structure and foreshadowing the choices that will define the fate of kingdoms.
Dual Narrative and Mirrored Arcs
The story alternates between Kadeesha and Malachi, their arcs mirroring and intersecting as they move from enemies to partners. This dual structure allows for deep psychological exploration, contrasting their motivations, traumas, and desires. Foreshadowing is used to hint at their eventual union, while the mirrored structure emphasizes the themes of unity, power, and the rewriting of fate.
Markings and Magical Bonds
The Markings—ancient, forbidden magical bonds—serve as both a symbol of intimacy and a source of danger. They bind Kadeesha and Malachi together, complicating their political and personal ambitions. The Markings foreshadow both the potential for unity and the risk of destruction, serving as a metaphor for the ways love and power are intertwined.
Court Intrigue and Betrayal
The narrative is driven by a web of court intrigue, with assassinations, poisonings, and betrayals shaping the fate of characters and kingdoms. The use of inquisition, oaths, and public executions heightens the tension, while the ever-present threat of rebellion and war keeps the stakes high. The structure of the court—its rituals, hierarchies, and customs—serves as both a stage and a trap for the characters.
War as Cataclysm and Catalyst
The climactic battle is both the culmination of old grievances and the birth of a new era. The narrative uses the chaos of war to strip away illusions, forcing characters to confront their true selves and the cost of power. The aftermath of battle is not peace, but the uncertain promise of a new order, with the scars of war shaping the future.
Analysis
Our Vicious Oaths is a sweeping epic that interrogates the nature of power, prophecy, and personal agency in a world where every choice is both a weapon and a wound. At its heart, the novel is about the struggle to claim one's destiny in the face of tradition, expectation, and the machinations of those who would use prophecy as a chain. Kadeesha's journey from pawn to queen is a study in resilience, as she learns to wield both sword and seduction, forging alliances not just for survival but for the hope of a better world. Malachi's arc is a meditation on the cost of vengeance and the possibility of redemption, as he learns that strength is not just brutality, but the courage to trust and to love. The novel's use of dual narrative, mirrored arcs, and magical bonds allows for a nuanced exploration of trauma, intimacy, and the ways in which love can be both a source of vulnerability and the foundation of true power. In a modern context, the story resonates as a call to challenge the narratives imposed upon us—by family, by society, by history—and to write our own oaths, even when the cost is blood. The ultimate lesson is that unity, justice, and love are not gifts of prophecy, but the hard-won result of choice, sacrifice, and the refusal to be anyone's pawn.
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