How Many Nobles Does It Take To Plan An Assassination?

How many aristocrats does it take to off the most controversial figure of the Russian Empire at the wake of its demise?

There's the frivolous prince, the begrudging duke, the self-righteous politician, the skittish doctor, the trigger-happy lieutenant, and the snobby countess. Three nobles, three commoners, but even together, it's unlikely they'd be able to assassinate a goat, let alone the infamous mystic, Rasputin. Their last hope is Vera, the ballerina and silent-film actress. Tasked with playing a seductive medium, she must lure in Rasputin with a faux séance.

Yet, one misstep after another, the fateful night of the murder takes shape as the legendary blunder that it has become. To complicate matters, sparks fly between the Duke and Vera, forcing her to choose between her love and her life. For if they get caught, the Tsar will surely send all into exile, or worse, to their execution. And more embarrassingly, they'll be remembered as Russia's biggest screwups in all the history books to come.

VENGEANCE IN FLAMES

A HISTORICAL FANTASY

I am Olga, the first female ruler of Kyivan Rus. I did not wish to be. The cruel fates of death tore away my husband, the Prince, by the hands of the Drevlians, our neighboring tribe. Now I am forced onto the throne, on behalf of my young son, enemies circling like vultures inside the court and out. I am heartbroken and even Sveneld, my troop commander and most fierce protector can’t soothe my shattered being. But by the gods, the fates chose the wrong woman to humble.

I will not rest until my son is safe in his own kingdom.

I will not rest until every Drevlian is punished.

I will not rest until Mal, their ruler, is dead.

I will not rest.

Vengeance is mine.