"What did it matter what I felt about anyone? In three days, either I would be queen--or I would be dead."



For a hundred years, the once prosperous kingdom of Perin Faye has suffered under the rule of the greedy and power-hungry Thungrave kings.



Maralyth Graylaern, a vintner's daughter, has no idea her hidden magical power is proof of a secret bloodline and claim to the throne.



Alac Thungrave, the king's second son, has always been uncomfortable with his position as the spare heir--and the dark, stolen magic that comes with ruling.



When Maralyth becomes embroiled in a plot to murder the royal family and seize the throne, a cat-and-mouse chase ensues in an adventure of dark magic, court intrigue, and forbidden love.