Fiona McIntosh: Emissary [2008] paperback

Odalisque Ana is resigned to life in Percheron’s famed harem and has little more than a blood-soaked veil to remind her that Spur Lazar, the man she loves, is dead. What’s more, she is closely watched by the scheming Grand Master Eunuch, Salmeo, and the cunning and cruel Valide Herezah. The Valide, unhappy at Ana’s influence over the young Zar, contrives a shrewd plan to bring about the beautiful young woman’s demise. But greater forces are at work . . .

The demon Maliz has taken the guise of Percheron’s Grand Vizier in order to stalk Iridor, the traditional accomplice of the Goddess. And a war is brewing. A long-time enemy, Galinsea, intends to exact a vicious blood price for the death of its crown prince, Lucien, at the hands of the Percherese.

And the only person in the Stone Palace who can undertake the dangerous journey to Galinsea and negotiate for peace is about to die . . .