A bloom among beasts

Viola of House Bayenne rides to the capital with a clenched jaw and a blade of defiance buried beneath her silk. Promised to Prince Byron-a vain, arrogant man she loathes-her marriage is meant to unite two great houses and silence generations of bloodshed. But Viola is no peace offering. She is not theirs to break.

In a gilded court where cruelty is masked in courtesy, her only companions are a hollow crown and Alaric-Byron's scarred and savage sworn shield, tasked with guarding her like a prize mare. His presence burns under her skin. He is crude, callous... and impossible to ignore.

Every word is a battle. Every smile, a threat. Viola has one chance to survive the game she's been forced to play-but it may cost her more than her name. It may cost her the part of herself she swore she'd never surrender.