She swore never to trust a man again. He needs a wife to secure his future. But at court, masks conceal more than faces...
Once a captive of a ruthless lord, heiress Margaret Carwood escaped through sheer will—and vowed never to surrender her freedom again. Now a favoured lady-in-waiting to Mary Queen of Scots, Margaret has power, protection, and purpose. Love? She's certain she has no need of it.

Highland laird John Stewart, descendant of Robert the Bruce, comes south in search of opportunity after a family tragedy. Thrown into the theatrical world of courtly masques, he never expected to meet a woman who challenges him at every turn—and whose past runs deeper than her polished exterior reveals.

But when John becomes entangled in a treasonous plot against the crown, his honour—and his life—are suddenly on the line. And the only one he can trust is the woman who vowed never to give her heart to any man...

In a court of secrets and shifting loyalties, can love take root in the shadow of betrayal? Or will Margaret and John lose their chance at happiness to the dangers closing in around them?

Perfect for fans of Outlander, Julie Klassen, and Mimi Matthews—this clean historical romance features fierce heroines, noble-hearted heroes, and a love that transcends all odds.