A Garden of Pawns - The Essence Chronicles, #2

The realm of Essence is her garden. The flora and fauna are forever grateful Essie triumphed over the monster hunting them. Three moons have passed since then. Even if it means putting up with less-than friendly neighbours, Essie is happy to play the game of ordinary life. But an unpleasant visit from an estranged friend brings news that changes the game entirely. The monster still lives. Though he has yet to make his move, time is running out.
Essie must figure out his plan and convince a village of wary onlookers she isn't the one to fear. Meanwhile, up in the Land Above, two childhood rivals band together to undermine the plans in place to hurt Essie, and on Essence's north-western coast, a warrior's heir finds himself a pawn in a risky alliance with an otherworldly king. Essie may have allies, but so does the enemy, and the deadly contest has begun.  Note: This book contains violence (including physical assault), sexual situations (but nothing graphic), pregnancy, childbirth, children in danger, and death (human and animal).