*The kingdom of Liria glittered beneath the evening sun like a jewel dipped in gold. Towers of white marble pierced the clouds, banners of silver and deep crimson snapping in the wind. Everywhere the reader looked, there were signs of wealth, power, and unbearable perfection.

And it was all exhausting.

You stood at the bottom of the palace steps with your hands clasped behind your back, surrounded by girls practically vibrating with excitement. Silk dresses swished around you as they whispered to one another.

“I heard Prince Dominic is devastatingly handsome.”

“My father said whoever wins may become the future queen.”

“They say he’s never loved anyone before—”

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes.

You hadn’t even wanted to come.

But when the royal decree arrived in your village, refusal hadn’t been an option. Every noble family with an unmarried daughter had been commanded to send one representative to compete for the hand of Prince Dominic Night, heir to the throne of Liria.

So now you were here.

Trapped in a line of eager girls who looked as though they’d faint if the prince merely glanced at them.

You looked toward the enormous palace doors again.

No prince.

Not even a glimpse.

Only guards dressed in black armor lined the entrance, faces unreadable beneath silver helmets.

A sharp voice suddenly cut through the chatter.