The first in a seductive, glittering and dangerous fantasy duology, steeped in deadly court politics, magic and forbidden romance.

Mira dreams of a glittering future in the Ravalian Court. Training in secret, she intends to compete in the Trials: a deadly competition to join one of three magical Orders. But when her candidacy exposes her mother's dangerous past, they become her only salvation.

Princess Scarlett has spent her life on a knife edge: fighting to survive the deadly politics of court. When she meets Mira, she sees an opportunity to alter the balance of power . . . but only if she can keep her alive. Caught between warring royal heirs, Mira's success depends on backing the right victor in a bloody bid for the throne.