The Lady of Fire and Light by Victoria K. Taylor

Sometimes a captain’s duty is more than just protecting the realm . . .

To Captain Valeria Augusta, nothing is more important than the Pillar Legion and their mission to regain control of the realm from the Kingdom of Praiton. And, of course, to protect her three best friends under her command. Especially when most of the Legion believes the only reason she got her position of captain was because she’s a female rather than for her battle prowess or talent with a flaming sword.
But when General Aris Calatos hears of a plot by the Ember Throne of Maniel, one that could threaten any advantage the Legion may have, Val and the handsome general are thrust together as they work to stop the kingdom from toppling the last free region of the realm.
As the threat of Maniel approaches, Val is forced to not only face the noble past that haunts her, but to fight the dangerous feelings for the general that she can’t shake . . . feelings that neither of them are allowed to have.
Val must decide what is worth protecting more: the mission of the Legion or her very heart.

THE LADY OF FIRE & LIGHT is a Fate of Ashes prequel novella set thirty years before the events of A CROWN OF STAR & ASH.