A Fistful of Fire: Chronicles of Marsdenfel (Book 1)

<em>Tales of loathsome kings and prophesied saviors aren't so appealing when you are a royal bastard of prophecy...</em>

Evonalé Yunan has never cared for tales of loathsome tyrants, seduced maids, and prophesied saviors. She herself is supposed to somehow free her grandmother's enslaved queendom. But she's merely a child, and her father is the powerful fire mage who subjugates the realm.

Evonalé has therefore fled home, her two half-siblings, and the father who really should've been her uncle. (If she could, she would flee her lethal and not quite insane faery godmother, too, but that's a side issue.)

Unfortunately, it's the middle of winter. Fortunately, following her mother's directions has put her in another king's hunting grounds. To Evonalé's bewilderment, that king picks her up and gives her a place in his palace. The prince seeks her out to tease and befriend.

Then one of Cook's daughters starts teaching her magic, and a scullery maid proves herself immune to poison.

Evonalé isn't the only one with secrets.
—
(A novel of 78,000 words.)

ALERT: Contains some mature themes and responsible use of alcohol. The narrator's family is sadistic.