Best book of the series so far! It deals more with the characters than with the plot. 
 The first book was written in first person through the eyes of Gen, so we got to know him. 
 The second book was told in third person by various characters, so we got to know the 3 countries and their politics. 
 This third book is also written in third person but mostly through the eyes of a common guard. Therefore, we see how other people see Gen, his relationship with Attolia and his position as King. 
 The story deals with Gen as he tries to find his place in Attolia's court conflicted by the fact that he doesn't want to be king and misses his freedom, and the fact that he loves Attolia. We follow Costis, who hates the king at the beginning but slowly starts to respect him as discovers more about Gen. Most people have a low regard and distaste for their new King, even resent, and Gen doesn't help much with his disinterested and aloof attitude. When the story first starts, Costis hits Gen in the face in response to some comments made by the King about the guard. Instead of being executed in dishonor he is assigned to follow the King in his daily routine. 
 We discover Gen's feelings and the reasons for behaving the way he does slowly, page by page. We even get to know his relationship with Attolia the same way. I didn't like how Gen's and Attolia's romantic relationship started, it was rushed, but in this book your heart melts in some scenes and Costis' heart melts with ours. Their love has grown and is indisputable. I want an heir!