When Peter arrives in Ruska with an army at his back and a promise of peace, Princess Guenevieve is forced to play the diplomat. Her people are unaccustomed to war—and ill-prepared to fight one—so she must keep her enemies close but Peter is far too close for comfort.

The peace he offers is only a mask. Jaren sees the truth: Peter hasn't come to aid Ruska. He's come to conquer it.

Bound by sacred law, the Ruskans cannot move against the prince unless he breaks their customs. So Peter plays the long game, weaving lies, sowing discord, and tightening his grip from within. As cracks form in Ruska's fragile protections, the Lurreans are drawn into a perilous game of secrets, shadows, and sacrifice. when the trap finally springs, it may already be too late to escape.