Hurt, betrayed, and hiding in a filthy abandoned house, Livi would trade anything for a little food. When Shad offers his protection and a way out at no cost, she can hardly trust him, but she doesn't want to stay cooped up with the rats anymore, either. When she's tucked safely in Melek with Shad's family, she thinks she might just find a life away from her corrupt father and his disgusting friend, Kishkumen. But if Kish can get her father instated as the king of Zarahemla, she will never be safe from the factions in the government and the man who would do anything to marry a royal heir.