Karda: Adalta Vol. I by Sherrill Nilson

Karda rule the skies over Adalta.The powerful hawk-headed flying horses have been the protectors of their world for millennia. Now they are called to do battle again to save Adalta from an ancient enemy. On Adalta for her first solo undercover mission, Marta Rowan is awed by the sight of these beautiful, fierce creatures. When she is chosen to ride one, she must decide: Join the fight to save Adalta, or keep her dark secret hidden? Her choice becomes even more difficult when she is assigned to guard the Quadrant of handsome nobleman Altan. What about her iron-clad rules—no relationships, no friends, no lovers? Will she be able to resist her feelings for Altan, the love she feels for this magical world on the brink of war, and the majestic flying Karda, because she knows, when her mission is over, she must leave? From award-winning author Sherrill Nilson, Karda is the first in the Adalta series - a fantasy adventure for anyone who ever wanted to fly away to a new world filled with magic and romance.