Prince of the Blood (Riftwar Cycle: Krondor's Sons Book 1)

Prince of the Blood follows twins Borric and Erland, sons of Prince Arutha of Krondor. Known for their impetuous and carefree nature, their lives change when their uncle the King produces no male heirs. Arutha names Borric, the eldest twin by seconds, as Royal Heir, while Erland takes on significant responsibilities of his own. To prepare them for their future roles, Arutha sends both as ambassadors to Kesh, the most feared nation in the world, to be presented to the Queen of Kesh at her Seventy-fifth Jubilee Anniversary. Before they even leave Krondor, an assassination attempt on Borric is thwarted. Arutha, aware he is being provoked into war, refuses to respond. The princes' journey proceeds, as peace depends on it. However, their traveling party is ambushed, and Borric disappears and is presumed dead. Erland must navigate the court intrigues of Kesh alone while consumed by grief and rage. Unbeknownst to others, Borric survives and escapes his captors. Now a fugitive in a strange land with a price on his head, he must use his wits and stamina to return to his brother. On separate paths, the two men journey toward maturity, honor, and duty, while those seeking war grow increasingly bold against them.