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

Cool. Good to know Stefan shared my sense of humor because I would’ve hated it if he took my comment the wrong way.


Queen Vivian in a half mask, circlet, and a teal satin ball gown was greeting her guests at the entry to the ballroom after one of her employees—a man in a suit—checked each guest’s invitation. But she wasn’t alone. The sight of the masked man in a tuxedo standing next to her pricked my back hairs.


I only needed one guess to tell who he was. Sirch. The self-labeled great humanitarian. NOT


Whatever. I was here to have a good evening. Not wax poetic with Sirch about his bigoted philosophy.


“It’s good to see you, Stefan and Maximillian. And I see you brought friends.” Queen Vivian nodded past us toward the rest of our small group.


“I hope you aren’t angry. I know they weren’t formally invited,” I said.


Sirch waved his hand through the air. “Relax. We love being hospitable to the friends of family members.”


Chapter 42