Princess Marjorie Blackmere was never meant to inherit the crown. She was the spare daughter. The quiet one. The princess raised to smile politely while her sister ruled. Until her sister was executed for treason. Now the king has revived an ancient tradition: noblemen from across the kingdom will compete in deadly trials for Marjorie's hand. The court expects a marriage. Marjorie has other plans. Because hidden beneath silk gowns and courtly manners is a mind sharpened by grief and ambition. While the suitors fight for her favor, Marjorie studies them-searching for someone ruthless enough to stand beside her. Then Hayes Velmora arrives. Cold. Brilliant. Dangerous. The heir to a powerful house with secrets buried deep in the kingdom's downfall. Hayes intends to manipulate the princess and claim the throne from the inside. Marjorie intends to use him. But as the trials grow bloodier and the court's conspiracies deepen, one thing becomes clear: Together, they are far more dangerous than either of them alone. And the crown may not survive them.