The Emperor is dying, and the palace is a powder keg of secrets and betrayal.
Cassian Vale, the Shadow Wardens' finest agent, enters under a dangerous disguise. Charming, cunning, and impossibly handsome, he's far from an ordinary servant.
Assigned to the disgraced Lady Serenya, Cassian expects obedience-but the first night changes everything. She corners him on a rooftop, sees through his disguise, and sparks a deadly game of secrets, lies, and temptation.
Expelled from the palace, Cassian navigates streets filled with danger, mysterious allies, and unexpected encounters-a cynical healer, a long-lost family member, and a fiery general's daughter who refuses to be fooled.
Poisoned daggers, false identities, hidden agendas... and a question that haunts him: Is he a loyal agent, a pawn in the Crown Prince's schemes, or simply himself?
A story of disguise, desire, and the fight to claim one's true self.
"Are you really a eunuch, Cassian?"
"Great. Just when my head couldn't hurt more, it does."