In a ballroom filled with gossiping lords and ladies, he must find an ally... or lose everything.
Sinder St. Ayers is Ellacourt's talented blacksmith, though he should be its ruler. Scheming relatives and swirling rumors of his mother's infidelity have all but guaranteed that his claim will pass to the next in line. In truth, the only things standing in his brothers' way are Sinder's grandparents and the King of Castlelore's promise to await more evidence. Desperate to beat the ticking clock of his grandfather's fading health, he agrees to attend a royal ball in hopes of winning a powerful princess's hand -- and the support of her armies.

Princess Henrietta Charmant is eager to ascend her throne and further the good works of her parents, the King and Queen of Castlelore. However, to become the ruler of the realm's mightiest kingdom, she must declare her engagement before the final stroke of midnight at the Midnight Ball, a few short weeks away. While she despairs of finding the paragon able to overlook her fondness for unprincess-like behavior, she sees potential in a mystery nobleman at her coming-out ball, nevermind his arrogance.

When tragedy strikes, Sinder and Henrietta must unite their kingdoms to safeguard their people, even as a growing rebellion against the ruling classes threatens to destroy their peaceful world.

Content Warnings: There are no explicit romantic scenes within these pages, but there is mature content that includes (but is not limited to) graphic violence, family illness and death, discussions of legitimacy, family betrayal, sibling rivalry, and challenges to gender roles and societal pressures. Please read with care.

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• Literature & FictionMythology & Folk TalesFairy Tales
• Science Fiction & FantasyFantasyFairy Tales
• Science Fiction & FantasyFantasyComing of Age

• Publication Date: September 23, 2023
• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 259 Pages
• File Size: 27 KB