Lorendian, a small country north of Russia, is under attack by Radeskian, a neighboring country with which Lorendian coexists peacefully only by immense effort. Radeskian is mad with thirst for power, perhaps even going so far as to plant a spy within the royal circle. But none of that matters to Celeste Edulici, the eldest daughter of Lorendian's single most influential family. Aside from not having seen her father in a decade, Celeste is something of a mystery, even to those closest to her. A dark cloak hides her face from view all the time, whether hiding beauty or abnormality nobody knows. Her face hasn't been seen in public since her dad disappeared. Not once. So when the tables turn and a royal starts taking interest in Celeste, she's at a loss. Between the loss of a father, an oncoming war, and a prince fighting for her affection, will Celeste finally shed her cloak?

Prince John's biggest fear? Becoming King, and everything to do with it, from the sheltered life, to someday having to get married. Celia, a lady knight, minus the 'Lady' if she can help it, is not looking forward to coming of age and attending the High Ball which she thinks is nothing more than a market for single girls. The two have hated each other since childhood, but when the stress gets to John and he does something drastic, Celia's the only one who can help.