Prologue

𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒂 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒌... 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒚.

In the shadowed alleys of Valeres, Ivy survives by her wits, stealing to keep her ailing father and younger sister alive. But when a high-stakes burglary goes wrong, she comes face-to-face with a girl who looks exactly like her-Princess Isla of Avenlor. Caught and accused of espionage, Ivy is presented with a choice by King Alaric of the distant Kingdom of Avenlor: impersonate his daughter during a diplomatic visit to Valeres, or face execution. Her mission is clear-gain the trust of the Queen and assassinate her to prevent a looming war.

But Prince August-Valeres's golden heir with sharp eyes and a sharper mind-was never part of Ivy's plan. He sees through her lies, challenges her at every turn, and pulls her closer with every stolen glance and heated argument. As court intrigues deepen and deadly secrets unravel, Ivy struggles to maintain her cover while navigating the treacherous world of royal politics.

Torn between duty and desire, she must decide if love is a luxury she can afford-or the weapon that will destroy everything.