Xander Savero is reeling from the loss of his family and the love of his life. But there's no time for his broken heart when his kingdom is in peril. His cruel cousin is chipping away at Argaria's borders, leaving a trail of violence in his wake, and that's just the beginning.

The fiercest opposition comes from within Xander's own court, where nobles speculate about his parentage, commoners think he's an outsider, and assassins wait poised for the moment he drops his guard. Xander strives to put an end to the upheaval by marrying a princess from a stronger, more established kingdom. His decision plunges the Argarian court into a chaotic three-week festival, at the end of which he will choose a bride.

But more new faces at court mean more threats to Xander's life, compelling him to call in reinforcements from old friends. Cecilia's arrival is more hindrance than help, putting him face to face with the woman who shattered his heart, while he's still picking up the pieces. Together, Xander, Cecilia, and their friends must fight against a series of ancient spells, a spy in their midst, and their own haunted pasts to take down their faceless enemy before Xander and the kingdom both fall.