Falling for her was his first mistake.
Under the threat of war in Endvar, Merek and Ria return to Albon to find that the king has retreated to an unfinished tower to nurse his paranoid delusions. His anger against Merek has turned to violent rage which escalates until Merek is imprisoned for treason.
In a desperate attempt to save him, Ria risks the very relationship they’ve built—a partnership she hopes will lead to marriage and stability for the kingdom.
She needs his help. He doesn't trust her. The battle of wills has begun.
Fiercely independent and disenchanted with romance, Ria resents the expectation to marry. But the king has withdrawn from public life, increasing pressure on the princess to marry and prove her readiness to rule.
When a power struggle erupts between the king and Merek, captain of the Wall Guard, Ria sees an opportunity. She proposes a tour of the damaged wall, giving her an excuse to prove herself by acting in her father’s stead.
And if she happens to find a tolerable suitor in her travels, all the better.
But Merek doesn’t have time for Ria’s schemes. A criminal network has infiltrated a critical border city, and abandoning his investigation could lead to disaster.
Stubborn wills collide as the military hero and emerging monarch wrestle in a shifting balance of power. To merge their strong personalities into a dynamic partnership, they'll risk more than just their pride.
When the criminal threat turns personal, can Merek save Ria without losing his heart?
Will Ria finally learn to listen to hers?
A no-spice romantic fantasy series perfect for readers who love relatable characters, breathtaking plots, and hard-earned satisfying endings.
But Merek isn’t interested in the kind of loveless marriage Ria proposes. Even as he wants to keep her at a distance, he finds himself unwillingly getting caught up in her schemes.
This time, her dishonesty leads to disaster.
