Following his father's unjust treason accusation and execution, Ryker, heir to the Duke of Westerwyn, witnesses his world collapse. Left with his sister and mother, they teeter on the brink of catastrophe.
A glimmer of hope, however, arises as news circulates that the Cadilaria Empire's emperor plans to get his heir married—an enigmatic woman, shrouded in a half mask due to an alleged curse.
Given an unwelcome choice, the King compels Ryker to either wed the Masked Princess as the Duke of Westerwyn or face execution. Faced with this grave decision, Ryker, driven by the need to protect his family and restore honor, chooses to court the Masked Princess.
Determined to win her heart and avenge his father's demise, Ryker treads a perilous path, even if it means manipulating a potentially deadly royal ally.

The Masked Princess (Behind the Mask)

The next day, Raquel was sitting in the mansion’s library reading a novel. The morning sun shone on her as she enjoyed the peacefulness. It had been a long time since she had done something for her enjoyment.


Ryker had been summoned to the palace but before leaving had told Raquel to use the mansion as she pleased. She was the lady of the house after all.


Still, Raquel left a little nervous about ordering unfamiliar servants around. So, she decided to keep to the library until Ryker got back. Or at least until Lady Liana got back from her errands in the city.


Her lady-in-waiting was sending some messages to her home as well as going to some tailors to get an idea of fashion in the kingdom.


“Can you believe that woman is the new lady of the house?” A voice suddenly mocked. “And that Duke Ryker would give her the time of day. Honestly, how does he sleep with that monster in his room?”


“Hush Mary.” Another voice murmured. 


Servants (1)