Books like The Rose Throne by Mette Ivie Harrison

*Richly-imagined fantasy romance from the author of Princess and the Hound, a tale of two princesses--one with magic, one with none--who dare seek love in a world where real choice can never be theirs.* Ailsbet loves nothing more than music; tall and red-haired, she's impatient with the artifice and ceremony of her father's court. Marissa adores the world of her island home and feels she has much to offer when she finally inherits the throne from her wise, good-tempered father. The trouble is that neither princess has the power--or the magic--to rule alone, and if the kingdoms can be united, which princess will end up ruling the joint land? For both, the only goal would seem to be a strategic marriage to a man who can bring his own brand of power to the throne. But will either girl be able to marry for love? And can either of these two princesses, rivals though they have never met, afford to let the other live? Ailsbet and Marissa are both beautiful and intelligent, but both have grown up with the same strict upbringing and education. Their differences of taste and priorities are stark, but they are both equally determined to win the throne and become the leader of their respective kingdoms. When Ailsbet's father learns that the kingdom is united, he decides that Ailsbet should marry into it and become the ruler of both lands. Marissa, however, is not as easily convinced. She fears that the union would be a mistake and that both lands could be ruined if the marriage failed. She and Ailsbet must come up with a plan to convince the kings and queens of their kingdoms that the marriage is not just a way of settling the kingdom's political issues, but a chance to forge an alliance and bring about prosperity and unity. Their paths will cross again, but will they be able to let go of the past and find love in each other?

First publish date: 2013