Falling for her was his first mistake.
Under the threat of war in Endvar, Merek and Ria return to Albon to find that the king has retreated to an unfinished tower to nurse his paranoid delusions. His anger against Merek has turned to violent rage which escalates until Merek is imprisoned for treason.
In a desperate attempt to save him, Ria risks the very relationship they've built-a partnership she hopes will lead to marriage and stability for the kingdom.
But Merek isn't interested in the kind of loveless marriage Ria proposes. Even as he wants to keep her at a distance, he finds himself unwillingly getting caught up in her schemes.
This time, her dishonesty leads to disaster.