The Wicked King

Why these tropes fit

This bloodthirsty high-fantasy sequel set in Faerie follows mortal Jude, who has bound the wicked fae king Cardan to secure her place as the power behind the throne, forcing her to navigate the realm’s constantly shifting political alliances. She must contend with Cardan’s relentless efforts to humiliate and undermine her, his unshakable fascination with her, and a looming betrayal by someone close to her that threatens everyone she loves, all while struggling to reconcile her complicated romantic feelings for Cardan with her need to maintain control as a mortal in the fae world.

Evidence from the source

• Betrayal: “someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves” source
• Court Intrigue: “Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough” source
• Fae Romance: “Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.” source
• High Fantasy: “Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough” source
• Strong Heroine: “she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne.” source

Metadata source: Google Books. Quotes are used only to verify the tags.