Mayli's world shattered when her mother, the queen of Ammos, was assassinated. The heir to the throne of Brimley-Mayli's fiancé at the time-was accused of the crime, and war broke out between the two kingdoms. After Brimley's collapse refugees fled across Vatan. Now the grieving princess travels to court a new royal suitor, but her plans to secure a strong alliance go awry when her carriage is attacked. Alden, a Brimleyn loyalist, goes undercover in the Shadowen Thieves Guild hoping to find evidence that will clear his prince's name. His efforts prove futile until their latest assignment: abducting the Ammosian princess. Completing the job could expose her mother's murderer, but at what cost?