Lysandra has spent her life surviving her stepmother’s schemes and the sharp-edged world of court politics. But when a chance encounter at a royal ball places her in the path of Prince Dorian—known as the Thorn Prince for his ruthless reputation—her life takes a dangerous turn.

Dorian is hunting a smuggling operation threatening Valenor’s fragile alliances, and all signs point to Lysandra’s family. But when he sets a trap to expose her, he discovers she’s not the villain he expected. Instead, she’s a pawn in a deadly game that could destroy them both.

As treachery tightens its grip, Lysandra uncovers a plot that risks plunging the kingdom into chaos—and herself into a forced marriage with a power-hungry ambassador. Racing against time, Dorian must decide if saving his kingdom is worth risking his heart for the one woman who might bring him to his knees.