The Everlace's history was shrouded in mystery and power. They come from a distant kingdom, Virelia, where magic flowed freely and royals lived under the stars. until one day, it simply vanished from the map. But its royal blood survived. The Everlaces-blessed, beloved, and followed by something they could never quite outrun-fled to England. where they built a new life among the wealth and power of the British monarchy. Their name was associated with luxury and fortune, but they were always followed by a shadow that seemed to haunt them no matter where they went. Yet, despite the quiet history that weighed on the family, Princess Aethelia Everlace was born-a blessing far more precious than any of their riches. She was born in the first morning light, a symbol of hope and beauty. Rather than raising Aethelia in a royal bubble, her parents made the bold decision to send her to public school. They intended for her to experience life as an ordinary child, to learn the simple joys that most kids her age took for granted. They hoped it would keep her grounded, teach her the values of humility, and give her a sense of normalcy. But Her parents hopes for a perfect princess would soon be tested. For a while, their plan worked. ...Until Aethelia started fighting boys, setting off fire alarms, and generally made a name for herself as a bit of a troublemaker. Her parents were not pleased when they found out, the pranks and fights she'd gotten into. Despite their attempts to give her a "normal" upbringing, they couldn't ignore the royal blood that ran through her veins- so they made the decision to send her away. Aethelia was shipped off to a prison-er, a prestigious boarding school, one where royalty is trained and secrets are kept under lock and key. Her older sister, Eloise Everlace-practically a stranger, waits. And where something quieter, older, watching, stirs just below the surface. Not all secrets beneath the crowns stay buried.