Harboring a secret obsession with magic, Leo studies for years, making little progress until fate knocks on her door-and Sebastian steps in. The wizard is more than happy to teach her, so long as she agrees to marry his cousin-Prince Dimitri Nathair. But the prince has a secret as well. Finding her fairy-tale cage quickly closing in, Leo escapes-right into the hands of a man whose intention she has yet to divine. He never meant to become a living legend-Fael is just willing to do whatever it takes to protect his home. An aptitude for bloodshed and a simmering hatred for nobility means he is happy to investigate the rumors threatening Umbri-until he's ordered to kill the princess in question. Fael is torn between duty and instinct. Then everything takes a turn even a scoutmaster can't anticipate. Battling monsters, bounty hunters, and unexpected feelings, Leo and Fael must choose if two kingdoms worth of lies and loyalty will keep them apart, or if they'll accept the challenge to close the gap between who they are, and who they want to be.