A puzzling murder. A crumbling diarchy. A Blood Vier summoned to quell the ashes of corruption. Taryn wants nothing to do with the father who abandoned her. She bolts at her first chance at freedom, only for a mysterious man to track her down, revealing her father was murdered and she is the key to finding the killer. She strikes a bargain, traveling to the kingdom's capital where she becomes an unwilling player in a political game against the opposing sovereignties and her father's suspected killer. As a Blood Vier, a blood heir capable of claiming her father's position, Taryn is now the prime target of assassination for her interference. She seeks evidence to bring down her deadly opponent, enlisting the help of the cocky prince and a despised healer. But as her father's secrets begin to slowly unravel, Taryn is caught between duty and freedom, questioning where her allegiances lie and how much she is willing to sacrifice. Treason haunts the kingdom halls, death stalks close behind, and betrayal is only the opening act. Taryn has spent her life shrouded in secrets and deception, and she's done playing the pawn.