A disgraced villainessDaughter of a dead traitor, lightning mage Taisiya and her surviving family live as pariahs. Taking on the new, unwanted role of diplomat for the isolated empire of Lethe gives the proud mage a chance to reverse her family's misfortunes and regain her once-respected status. When arrivals from abroad include a handsome fae prince in need of a wife, she rushes to play matchmaker in return for riches.A prince plotting a coupFae Prince Mereruka has kingly ambitions and six siblings who stand in his way. He is convinced the king's command to marry a barbarian from a cursed land will either kill him, or worse, ruin his schemes. Yet meeting the ruthless, enterprising Taisiya gives him hope he has found his perfect - vicious - other half.And a match made in hell...for everyone elseThey strike a deal. Wealth and power for a bride. Except the price of failure is a favour - in whatever form he chooses. As they trade in innuendos and barbs, and bride candidates become scarce, Mereruka can hardly wait to see her fail in order to claim his favour - Taisiya's hand in marriage. But it is her heart he must win if he hopes to survive his brother's bloodthirsty court. Only a couple united in villainy can slay their way to the throne, and if he fails, their heads will roll.The Cruel Prince meets a gender-swapped Cleopatra in book two of the Mages of Oblivion series, perfect for fans of morally grey characters, lethal court intrigue and steamy fantasy.