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)

Raquel silently watched as the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the Cadilaria palace. She was nervous of what was to come and hoped that she could rest before meeting the emperor.


The carriage door soon opened and Ryker stepped out of the carriage. He held out a gloved hand for her and Raquel immediately took it, stepping into the afternoon sun. Her eyes fell on the entrance of the palace, seeing that no one was there.


She let out a small sigh of relief only to take it back a moment later.


“Greetings, your highness.” A servant of the emperor suddenly appeared, bowing in front of her. “The emperor asks that you immediately head for the throne room upon your arrival.”


Raquel gazed at the servant, who was nervously shuffling on his feet, before sighing in annoyance. Of course, the emperor would call upon her the moment she stepped foot in the palace.


Back at the Palace