Vitala Salonius is the first female to win the game of Caturanga. Caturanga is a strategy game that is a favorite of the current King, Emperor Lucien. Vitala isn't your average champion, she is on the mission she has been training most of her life for. Vitala is a ward breaker and trained assassin through the Obsidian Circle. Vitala had been chosen at a young age because of her half Kajallan, half Roircan heritage, which allows her to easily pass for Kajallan. The Kajallan Empire has use the Riorcan people as slaves, and levied high taxes on them.
As Caturanga champion, she is invited to the palace. Upon meeting Emperor Lucien, Vitala grows to respect and even like Lucien. When a group of his officers tries to assassinate him, Vitala finds herself saving his life instead of letting him die. While running from the assassins they try to come to understand the feelings they have for one another. Now that Cassain, the new acting Emperor of Kajallan is working to decimate the Riorcan people, and take Lucian's 13 year old cousin Celeste as a wife, the pair must act quickly and strategically to bring Cassain down and rescue Celeste.
I loved that the characters are both far from perfect but seem perfect for each other. Both Vitala and Lucien have had their own people turn against them. Vitala because of her heritage that caused her to look more Kajallan that Riorcan and Lucien, because of the loss of his leg. Although Amy Raby is a new author for me, I will absolutely loved her writing in ASSASSIN'S GAMBIT.
Vitala Salonius, champion of the warlike game of Caturanga,
is as deadly as she is beautiful. She's a trained assassin
for the resistance, and her true play is for ultimate
power. Using her charm and wit, she plans to seduce her way
into the emperor's bed and deal him one final, fatal blow,
sparking a battle of succession that could change the face
of the empire.
As the ruler of a country on the brink of war and the son
of a deposed emperor, Lucien must constantly be wary of an
attempt on his life. But he's drawn to the stunning
Caturanga player visiting the palace. Vitala may be able to
distract him from his woes for a while—and fulfill
other needs, as well.
Lucien's quick mind and considerable skills awaken
unexpected desires in Vitala, weakening her resolve to
finish her mission. An assassin cannot fall for her prey,
but Vitala's gut is telling her to protect this sexy,
sensitive man. Now she must decide where her heart and
loyalties lie and navigate the dangerous war of politics
before her gambit causes her to lose both Lucien and her
heart for good....
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