A Game of Veils

As the second-born princess of a kingdom conquered by a brutal empire, I’m nothing but a pawn. Little do I expect my parents to arrange my marriage to the most powerful bachelor of all: the son of the emperor himself. But when I arrive at the imperial palace, I discover I must compete for my betrothed—vying with the court noblewomen in a series of humiliating trials to prove our devotion. Those who fail will be executed. For the sake of my country, I’ll risk my life to win my husband—this sadistic man who applauds the torment and flaunts his lovers. Unfortunately, my scheming competitors aren’t my only enemies. The emperor’s royal wards—princes of other conquered domains, held hostage to ensure their families’ obedience—lurk in the shadows. They see me as a traitor, prostrating myself for our tyrants’ approval. The perfect target for their bottled rage. They’ll do whatever they can to distract me, unsettle me… ruin me. Forbidden as they are, I can’t help being drawn in by their seductive wiles. Behind their simmering fury, their pain and broken hopes call to me. They might be just the allies I need to save my life and my kingdom. But only if I can conquer these wicked men before I lose my heart.