Royal Assassin - Robin Hobb

Royal Assassin is the second installment in The Farseer Trilogy, continuing the powerful and emotional story of FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard raised in the shadows of the throne.

Now trained as a royal assassin, Fitz is drawn deeper into the dangerous politics of the Six Duchies, where enemies threaten the kingdom from both outside and within. While the brutal Red-Ship Raiders attack the coasts, betrayal and ambition grow inside the royal court.

Torn between duty and personal desire, Fitz must serve the crown while hiding his forbidden magic—the Wit, a bond with animals that could cost him his life if discovered. At the same time, he struggles with love, loyalty, and the emotional weight of being used as a weapon.