Prince of Fools/ Red Queen's War, Book 1

The Red Queen is dreaded by the kings of the Broken Empire as they dread no other. Her grandson Jalan Kendeth - womaniser, gambler and all-out cad - is tenth in line to the throne. While his grandmother shapes the destiny of millions, Prince Jalan pursues his debauched pleasures. Until, that is, he gets entangled with Snorri ver Snagason, a huge Norse axeman and dragged against his will to the icy north...