The Merchant Prince by Johan Faire

SPFBO8

A fantasy house of cards. Set in a city reminiscent of the merchant republics of Renaissance Italy, is the cut-throat tale of Augustus' rise to power. The city is controlled by great houses of immense wealth, with Augustus being a prominent member of the Castellian house. As he comes of age, he is sent on his first expedition to new unknown shores, to earn personal fame and fortune. But he returns to ruin. His house is in disorder. With his father now dead, he is thrust into the intrigue of Venocia. He must protect himself and his new bride from assassins that seem to lurk in every dark alleyway, using his only weapon, his cold and brilliant mind.