In the luminous empire of Aureliath, royal authority is said to flow through blood and obedience. Prince Caelum Vaelaris knows better. After transmigrating into the body of an infamous illegitimate heir destined to die a villain's death, Caelum has only one goal: survive the deadly politics of the imperial court. But when he unknowingly awakens an ancient form of royal magic fueled not by fear, but by devotion, the fragile balance of the kingdom begins to fracture. The stoic captain of the guard watches him too closely. His shadowed right hand grows fiercely possessive. A gentle court mage uncovers secrets that could brand him a threat to the throne.And a rival prince from across the sea treats flirtation like warfare. As the emperor's health declines and succession looms, Caelum must choose: remain a forgotten pawn, or claim a throne that was never meant to love.When the kingdom demands he bind himself to a single destiny, he instead dares to rewrite it. In a court of silk, steel, and simmering jealousy, devotion may be the most dangerous magic of all.