Raegan Sorgin doesn’t want to be queen. She yearns to seal her future as a mage, following in her late mother’s footsteps and using her defensive powers to protect the kingdom from enemies across the sea. But months before she can prove her worth, Raegan finds herself caught in the middle of court intrigue when the king betroths her to his son Arlon—heir of the throne and Raegan’s first love and biggest regret—demanding she forsake her magic for a crown she doesn’t want. 

Raegan hasn’t spoken to Arlon since their first kiss four years ago, after which he cast her aside. When he privately admits his disregard has been a ploy to keep her safe in a palace full of liars, the carefully constructed walls around Raegan’s heart begin to crumble. As they navigate rekindling desire, war looms at the kingdom’s borders. With secrets around every palace corner, including Arlon’s and his family’s involvement in the alleged accidental death of Raegan’s mother, Raegan must decide if she can trust the boy she used to love and call upon her forbidden magic to protect the kingdom her mother died defending, or flee to save herself and her heart.