Born to privilege. Trained for war. Elivya wants what every noble son takes for granted: strength, respect, and the right to wield a blade. But duty and family have always come first, and the only way to save her House from ruin is to take her place in society. Trained in both wit and warfare, the impetuous young heiress will need every skill in her arsenal to survive King Amenon's Court. Within the castle's marble halls, secrets are currency and new courtiers are a form of sport. Her mother's unconventional lessons keep Elivya one step ahead of the competition, but playing the game of courtship is not without its risks. Alesia's capital is full of spies and some are playing for much higher stakes than hearts and reputations. A single misstep can destroy a noble House - or a nation.