"An exquisite jewel of a book." —Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning
In this sweeping romantic fantasy, a dangerous deal binds a young jeweler's apprentice to the mysterious Serpent King in a marriage of convenience, thrusting her into a deadly game between the cunning, fearsome ruler and his rebellious huntsman. Perfect for fans of The Wrath & the Dawn and Once Upon a Broken Heart!
The Serpent King is the most eligible bachelor in the land: a monster with dark and terrible magic and the ruler of the last free kingdom. Riches and power await his future bride—but so does a life forever trapped in the games of court.
That fate is eighteen-year-old Saphira's worst nightmare. Ever since the Empire made her an orphan, she's found freedom in being invisible. So despite her rare gift for harnessing the magic in gemstones, she lets an unscrupulous jewelsmith take credit for her increasingly sought-after work.
But when the king sends his most clever huntsman to find the best jewelsmith of all, the spotlight lands on Saphira. Faced with choosing between falling into the Empire's grasp or marrying a monster, she chooses the latter — even if it means getting increasingly caught between her cold, serpentine husband and his cunning, handsome huntsman.
She chose the monster to escape the empire, but in this world of dark magic and deadly court games, her ordeal is only just beginning.
- A Loveless Bargain: Bound to a terrifying king she despises, Saphira must play the part of a bride while navigating a treacherous court and secretly plotting her escape.
- Dangerous Love Triangle: She finds herself caught between the cold, serpentine king she married and the clever, handsome huntsman sent to capture her—but trusting either could be a fatal mistake.
- Hidden Identity: Her secret gift for gemstone magic is her only advantage, but if her true identity as the land's master jewelsmith is discovered, it will put a target on her back.
- Enemies to Lovers Romance: Forced into a marriage with a man she considers a monster, she must guard her heart, even as she's drawn deeper into his glittering, dangerous world.