SOLVED. YA Fantasy. Setting reminds me of Ancient Rome. A young girl who is in tune with animals has some connection to the royal family. [s]

[Christine]

I read this book in 2016, from a donation “little library” in my town. The cover was purple with yellow lettering. The books starts out with this common girl running with some deer…as I remember she had some ability where she could feel what other animals were feeling? She had a male best friend who has decided to go and fight for show (I think in an arena) for money and glory. I think they are love interests. Later in the book the main girl goes to some palace to work I think, and the prince and her become friends. I believe his name may be Alex, or something related. He has an evil mother who does evil magic. At the end of the book there is some type of war, where the queen mother captures the main girl and turns into a bunch of bats, or controls a bunch of bats. The title has something to do with “reign” or “crown” or “queen”…fantasy series which seemed like it took place in Ancient Rome.

[Becca]

Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman?

[Christine]

Yes that’s it! Thank you so much!!!