The national bestselling author of Troubled Waters and Royal Airs returns to her “interesting and complex”* Elemental Blessings series… As one of the four princesses of Welce, fiery Corene always thought she might one day become queen. Only circumstances changed, leaving her with nothing to show for a life spent playing the game of court intrigue—until a chance arises to become the ruler of a nearby country. After stowing away on a ship bound for Malinqua with her loyal bodyguard, Foley, Corene must try to win the throne by making a play to marry one of the empress’s three nephews. But Corene soon discovers she is more of a hostage than a guest. And as the deadly nature of the court is revealed, Corene must rely on the aid of new allies in addition to Foley’s unwavering protection—for the game she has entered is far more perilous than she ever imagined…