Welcome to Natharien, a land where the slightest transgression could cost you your life. Thirteen-year-old Serafina Johanesson is the heir to the Natharien throne, but before she can inherit her birthright, she has to first outlive her stepmother's schemes. After her mother dies, Serafina must endure three long years of silent war from her stepmother until, one night, the queen sends an assassin to kill her. Forced to flee the palace with the help of Felices, an artificial human created through magick, in order to survive and reeling from the loss of the life she once had, she must come to terms with the fact that the state of her country's monarchy is far worse than she could have ever imagined. Chosen by Fate and the Ancients of old to lead a nation, Serafina is forced to grow up before her time. But even as she does, she finds more questions than answers. Who is the man that brought Felices to her? Who is the mysterious figure that haunts her dreams? How can she convince a nation to let her lead them when she isn't sure she even can? And as she goes, her number of loved ones continues to dwindle... Only Fate can help her now.