Bonds of Brass by Emily Skrutskie

In a galaxy ruled by conquest and bloodlines, loyalty can be the most dangerous bond of all. Ettian Nassun, a brilliant young pilot, has spent years hiding his past as the child of a conquered empire. When his best friend—and secret crush—Gal Veres is revealed to be the heir to the brutal empire that destroyed his home, Ettian must choose between vengeance and love. As war erupts and allegiances fracture, the two must fight side by side to survive—caught between duty, desire, and destiny. Electrifying and heartfelt, Bonds of Brass launches The Bloodright Trilogy with a thrilling blend of space opera, romance, and rebellion.