they should be terrified of you/you're my people

Premise

Told across three timelines (13 years ago, 1 year ago and X days ago) the book follows Alli, Mirabelle and Nora - the women of the family Thorne. Since the popular revolution a few decades ago the Thornes, or as some still call them The House of Roses, have become the last great family and they are willing to do anything to hold onto that power. When Nora's father and brother decide it is her turn to get married to further the family line and ambitions, she is forced to confront the fact that her happiness will always be secondary to her purpose as a member of the family.

In the days before Nora's wedding Alli's carefully held grip on herself and her emotions begins to slip. 13 years before Nora's wedding, Mirabelle was still alive.

Characters

Alcea "Alli" Thorne - P.o.V. of the "X Days ago" Timeline. The "first flower". Alli was raised to be Lucien's wife and right hand. She is to have his children and kill on his command. While she hasn't had any children, her efficiency as a bodyguard and assasin has made her feared. Her use of magic manifests as "the flicker", an ability to phase out of reality for seconds at a time. In the past she is an excitable but measured girl, in the present any feelings she might experience are hidden behind a serene smile. She is Lucien Thorne's attack dog. She is the scariest person you will ever meet. She loves Dane with all her heart.

Eleanora "Nora" Thorne - P.o.V. of the "1 year ago" timeline. The only living daughter of the family Thorne. Wants to be a soldier but then is told she has to marry and have children since it doesn't seem like Alli will have any at this point. An angry teenage lesbian. Her magic manifests as a shield.

Mirabelle Thorne - P.o.V. of the "13 years ago" timeline. Nora's older sister and Alli's dearest friend. Also loved Dane and was betrothed to him until she died in his arms 8 years ago. Was fascinated with magic and experimenting with it constantly, helping Alli, Nora and Lucien find and develop their skills. When they were both teens she was put in charge of teaching Alli how to be a member of the family and the two became fast friends. Her death might have been the moment everything went wrong, depending on who and when you ask.

Dane Bess - The son of a servant woman in the household, who was adopted as a ward when she died. Mirabelle's childhood friend and love. In the present he is head of the family guard, outranked only by Alli in her function as First Flower. He is also her only and closest friend.

Lucien Thorne - The Thorne heir. Darius' only and oldest son. Nora and Mirabelle's older brother. Alli's husband. A geniuenly terrible person.

Darius Thorne - Daddy Thorne. The Lord Thorne if this was still a feudal system (which it isn't but boy does he act like it). The one who threw the families' power behind the people's revolution and so made sure they stayed on top when every other great house was destroyed. His children are trophies and tools to him.