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)

“Prince Harris, I thought you were studying in the Zirerith Kingdom.” Ryker muttered.


Prince Harris laughed. “It’s good to see you too, my friend. And I was. However, I heard this rumor that you were getting married and had to see for myself who was unlucky enough to end up with a grump like you.”


Ryker sighed. It was true that in a way the prince and him were friends, despite the tension between their families. But he would never admit it aloud. 


The prince would never let him hear the end of it.


“Of course I see the missus is quite the beauty.”  Prince Harris winked. “I hope Duke Ryker is treating you well. Although I don’t understand what you see in him…”


Raquel gave an amused look as Ryker groaned inwardly. “I’ll be gone for a few minutes.”


“Sure.” Raquel smiled widely now. “Enjoy.”


With those words, Ryker quickly dragged the prince off before he was embarrassed further. He had forgotten how airheaded the prince would act despite being quite the intelligent person.


Viscount Marswe's Ball (2)