Blood and Thorn by ME Rodman

Once a close companion to the Imperial prince, Jandar returns to the Empire after years of exile. But his time on the plains has changed him and the Imperial Court is as deadly as ever. Can he survive his own homecoming? Raik is the third son of a minor lord, who spends his days avoiding court factions and indulging in frivolous pleasures. But when a single nightchanges him forever, Raik must adapt to new and terrifying world. The Imperial Court is a place of mad princes, blood magic and powerful forces, but worse is coming.Will either of them be ready?