36 parts Complete Being born a royal means nothing unless you can prove yourself in the Igesia Games. Hypatia has refused to participate in them because she believes slavery is wrong. However, her royal position means she has no choice: she must sacrifice her beliefs in order to preserve them.
Being a spymaster's son comes with many difficulties, not the least of which is that Erasmos's father doesn't feel the need to assist his sons unless they're about to die. Since being kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery does not threaten his life, Erasmos has to escape on his own. He did not intend to fight in the games for the spoiled, aloof princess, but she promised him his freedom if he won, and it's his best option.
All Hypatia wants is to be taken seriously for the first time in her life. Fighting and placing high in the games is her only option. She soon finds that much more is at stake: her own freedom. Young Lord Loxias has his eyes set on having her to wed and if he wins, he will get his wish.
The bloody Igesia Games are set to start and the power in Thandros hangs in the balance. Winning means glory and a single wish granted, losing will be the seal on both Hypatia and Erasmos's dismal fate.
"If you win, I will give you your freedom."
"Then I will fight for you. I will win for you."