The King's Sword — C.J. Brightley

A disillusioned soldier. A spoiled, untried prince. A coup that threatens the country they both love.When retired soldier Kemen finds the young prince Hakan fleeing an attempted assassination, he reluctantly takes the role of mentor and guardian. Keeping the prince alive is challenging enough. Making him a man is harder.As usurper Vidar tightens his grip on power, Kemen wrestles with questions of duty and honor. What if the prince isn't the best ruler after all?Invasion looms, and Kemen's decisions will shape the fate of a nation. What will he sacrifice for friendship and honor?