Duty is a heavy price to pay for love. THE RULER. Rodian expected to live out his life in the far north of Urova, tending to his herd of reyndeer and overseeing his small town on the icy fjord as its Minister. But in the aftermath of the Infernal War, the Midnight Star sees fit to send him down a new road he cannot turn away from. Now, wearing the crown as Isar of Urova, Rodian is thrown unprepared into the political waters of the royal court. The only way for him to survive the machinations of the nobles standing against him is to put his trust in Arkadi, a handsome young nobleman whose favored currency is secrets. THE BLADE. Arkadi has made a name for himself as a nobleman and Minister who always has his finger on the pulse of the court’s gossip. His public position hides his training as a Blade, one of the Star Order’s secret assassins. Both roles are useful when it comes to protecting Urova. When the new ruler arrives in the country’s capital, Arkadi is drawn to the older man who only wants to keep Urova safe in the wake of the Infernal War’s devastation. THE CROWN. As a political novice, Rodian finds himself leaning on Arkadi for support and falling for the young nobleman during the long winter nights they spend together. Arkadi wants Rodian to succeed on the throne, but in order for that to happen, he will need to keep his ruler safe using his skills as a Blade—and risk losing his heart in the process.