A PRINCESS WITH FORBIDDEN MAGIC. A PRINCE SWORN TO DESTROY IT. A LOVE THAT COULD RUIN THEM BOTH.

In a court where magic is a death sentence, falling for the wrong prince could be her undoing.

Valerie has been raised to be the perfect princess. Poised, obedient and betrothed to the Crown Prince Aleksander thanks to her father’s schemes. Yet Valerie is hiding a dangerous secret – forbidden magic that makes her Alek’s sworn enemy. To keep her family safe, she must win his heart . . . and hope he never learns the truth.

Alek has spent his life preparing to rule. His duties weigh heavily on him – especially marrying a princess and protecting his kingdom from those who wield magic. He never expected Valerie – or how falling for her might change everything he’s ever known.

His brother Will is a notorious rake. Charming and reckless – until he discovers Valerie’s secret. Instead of turning her in, he helps her control the magic she once feared. But Valerie soon discovers that Will may be a greater threat to her heart than her betrothed is to her life.

With the kingdom’s Blood Inquisitor closing in and her plan to win the prince unravelling, Valerie faces an impossible choice: follow her duty, or risk everything for the truth of who she is. Because if she fails, it’s not just her life at stake – but her family, her kingdom and the future of magic itself.

© Alyssa Pickering 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026