Harts Hope by Orson Scott Card

This narrative chronicles the tragic rise and fall of the Queen Beauty and the emergence of Orem, the "Little King," who serves as a magical catalyst for her undoing. The story begins with the rebellion of the general Zymas and the rise of Palicrovol, who usurps the throne and humiliates the princess Asineth, setting the stage for her vengeful transformation into a powerful, cruel sorceress. Years later, Orem—revealed to be Palicrovol’s secret son—travels to the capital of Inwit, where he discovers his unique ability to negate magic. Forced into a marriage with the Queen, Orem uses his powers to protect his son, Youth, and challenge the Queen's tyrannical grip on the kingdom. His interventions eventually lead to a cosmic reckoning involving the mystical Hart, resulting in the Queen's death and the restoration of the rightful princess. Ultimately, the text explores themes of divine justice, the heavy price of vengeance, and the sacrificial nature of paternal love.