Betrayed by those she loves, Honoria Escalona must now face the only man capable of bringing stability to the Mediterranean kingdom of Mecjoria. A cold, hard man who once called her his friend...Alexei Sarova – the true King of Mecjoria.

But Alexei's tortuous past has changed him into someone she hardly knows. He blames Ria's family for his bitterness, so his help comes with a price. He'll take his rightful place as King with Ria as his wife, until she produces a true–blood heir…