Nonmagical people are being demonized and falsely blamed for Magnifico’s economic problems after Queen Vivian’s bloody rise to power. But politics very quickly become more than abstract views to argue about when secret police wolves are deployed throughout the country to kill those born without magical abilities.<br><br>Seventeen-year-old Maximillian’s best friend Katherine is one such nonmagical person. In a bid to keep her safe, Maximillian turns to the queen’s estranged younger brother, a man thought to be dead until recently.<br><br>Prince Stefan is nineteen years old and has been in hiding from his family for years. He has no desire to resurface in the political world. Can Maximillian convince him the country needs him before it’s too late?

In the Name of Magic

The intensity of him not breaking eye contact almost prompted me to betray Katherine’s confidence. And I couldn’t have that. Life was complicated enough because of Queen Vivian, so I sat quietly.


“Never mind. You don’t have to respond if it makes you uncomfortable,” Stefan continued.


“I have an important question for you. Why do you wear a mask?”


Stefan snorted. “Isn’t it obvious? I want to hide my identity from the world.”


If only he’d met someone kinder when he was younger. It was a shame he felt he had to run away, hide away.


“Have you ever dated before?” I asked.


Stefan scowled at me. “That’s a loaded question.”


“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”


His gaze slid over my face and lower over my chest. “Don’t worry. I can make exceptions for nice-looking guys.”


Chapter 18