King's Justice. Kurval, #6

In the year of the forked serpent, Kurval came from beyond the sea, slew King Orkol and became King of Azakoria. But Kurval's reign is not an easy one. The people of Azakoria despise him as an uncouth barbarian, the nobles plot against him and assassination attempts are a frequent occurrence. One day, a hooded assassin tries to stab Kurval during an audience. Kurval is shocked, when the assassin is revealed to be a young woman, Nelaira, daughter of a minor noble.
But why would a girl of nineteen throw away her life on a futile assassination attempt? As Kurval investigates Nelaira's motives, he finds that he does not want to hang her. But he is king now and a king has to do his duty. Or does he? The new sword and sorcery adventure by two-time Hugo finalist Cora Buhlert and her occasional alter ego, 1930s pulp writer Richard Blakemore. This is a romantic novelette of 9000 words or approx.
30 print pages in the Kurval sword and sorcery series, but may be read as a standalone. Includes an introduction and afterword.