Liris Academy has a reputation for producing glossy future politicians, and Ashworth Addison is everyone's top choice. Surrounded by his reputation as the bright and wickedly smart Darling of the academy, Ashworth enters his seventh year eager to cement his place as Junior Council Delegate and properly reveal himself as a player in his Family's political arena. Much to his surprise, his biggest challenge may come in the form of the quieter and more severe Lyon Starr, also a seventh-year and just as ambitious. The halls and podiums and chess boards become their first battle grounds, and as they spar for the highest scores and the slot as junior Council member, they and their friends gradually become closer, forming a deadly team that rocks Liris with its potential. But Ashworth and Lyon are still rivals, and as results come in and dynamics change, both within their group and in the world beyond, they may learn the hard way just how dangerous it is to love your enemy.