A lonely prince, his charismatic best friend, and an assassin with lips he would die to kiss.

These aren't the words Rilion thought would define his life when he agreed to attend a wedding, but the moment he stops the assassination of his dearest friend, he knows he's in too deep to deny it. Now he's caught between two countries who should have been allies, and the deadly woman he must escort home is more enticing than he'd like to admit.

Aedi swore revenge on the king who had her sister killed, but Rilion's interference could be a blessing in disguise. With his gift as an Artificer, able to sense and manipulate artisan magic in ways no other mage can, there's no one better to help her navigate the trap-filled castle and treachery that await her at home.

Securing his assistance is easy. He'll aid her in exchange for help infiltrating the royal library, where he can clear his best friend's name. But as they begin to unravel the secrets behind her sister's death, two new dangers come to light: Whoever killed Aedi's sister is after her next... and the growing bond between them might be too much to ignore.