Much like the last book, this book starts off on a spicy-esque scene with an alternate POV! Of course it then goes directly back into a slow burn. Devonry continues on her new path and learns those she once trusted cannot be trusted. She grows into a very steadfast, strong woman and that, my friends, is why you should read this. Plus she gets spicy. ;)
Princess Devonry has survived the sex slave traders, an attempt at being forced into marriage with her father's murderer, and is seeking solace from the one place she can: her betrothed's kingdom. Along the way, she's met Celine and Argyle, loyal subjects-turned-friends from the outcasted noble families. And of course her faithful and devoted guard, Solomon, work with Celine and Argyle to protect her from the political intrigues and betrayals that greet her in the Bertoli kingdom.
***QUOTES, TROPES AND CHARACTERS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Tropes: Arranged marriage, friends to enemies to lovers, forbidden love, fated mates, one horse, one bed, bodyguard romance, forced proximity, found family, human magic (not fae!), who did this to you?
Spice level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ - a few scenes, consensual and fairly descriptive.
Action/War level: 💥💥 Moderately - They are traversing the political intricacies of an arranged marriage and all that comes with it. Must they escape? Absolutely. Therein lies the majority of the action and adventure.
FMC: Devonry - No longer naive or content to let others make decisions for her. She's learning whom to trust and how to survive on her own. Her feelings for Solomon are growing and yet, she cannot fathom why. She continues to deny it. Finally, she is fully awakened, but needs to practice.
MMC: Solomon - The loyal princess' guard who has been "awakened" with his magic since birth. He works on assisting Devonry with her slowly awakening powers. He is of the House of Blood, which is vampiric in nature, but he's not a vampire. He has been in love with Devonry since he first laid eyes on her, but tries really really really hard to maintain a professional relationship. Much to all our satisfaction, he fails.
Main antagonist: Prince Nasir - Claims Princess Devonry's throne for his own after she flees. He's working towards hunting her and Solomon down. He comes from a land without magic, but it is suspected he's awakened.
Secondary antagonist: Prince Envar - Princess Devonry's betrothed. He's a vile, disgusting, human being who has absolutely no care for anyone outside of who can suck his cock.
Side Characters:
Argyle - A friend of Solomon's who works with underground people.
Celine - A disgraced member of the courts who is also a seer and becomes Dev's confidant.
Yulis - A friend of Argyle's that assists with Devonry's awakening
Frederic - Previously a contender for Dev's hand, but is a healer and plays a pivotal role in the adventure to come.
Quotes:
“I have never once disliked you, Devonry,” he states. “You have been the sole reason for my existence from the very moment we met. Before I ever became your guard, I have been yours. Dislike? That was never possible. Not from me. Certainly not for you.”
"The problem with ignorance, however, is that it can never be returned once it's lost."
“'I will either live with you, my Queen, or I will die with you.' A crueler oath, there never was."
"There is only so much hatred one can harbor before it taints one's soul."
"Kings may forge wars, but Queens turn pain into prosperity, into power."