The Curse of Chalion
Lois McMaster Bujold
A broken man named Cazaril is named secretary-tutor to the strong-willed sister of the next ruler. However, this leads him to the royal court of Cardegoss where he fears his enemies will take over. The House of Chalion is cursed and only the use of forbidden magic can protect the Royesse Iselle. This act will mark him as a tool of the miraculous and trap him in a lethal maze of demonic paradox.