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)

A few days later, Ryker found himself preparing for the royal ball. Much had happened over the past week but he was glad it would soon be over.


His cousin, Lady Fia, would arrive tomorrow and once everything had been settled with Lord Eric, they would leave for Westerwyn. He would leave the council in the good hands of Lord Myster’s son until Lady Fia married Lord Eric.


She would then take over operations secretly.


Checking himself in the crystal mirror one last time, Ryker headed downstairs to wait for Raquel who was still getting ready. 


As he was going down the last step, heading into the front lobby of the mansion, a page boy ran to him with a dove with brown spots on his arm.


Ryker knew instantly that Priestess Arstia had come back to him.


“Your grace, this dove was found with the carrier pigeons.” The young boy said, bowing before Ryker. “We believe it had a message for you.”


Royal Ball (1)