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)

After Raquel’s meeting with Lady Diana, things had become busy for both Ryker and her. The two had spent countless nights working on the finer details for the hunting festival. 


And today, things were setting into motion.


They would be traveling to the Westwood Palace, where the hunting festival was traditionally held. Many noble families would follow the royal family which meant added security was needed along the roads.


Ryker stood next to Raquel ,watching as the emperor’s carriage and guards left the royal palace, taking him and Lady Diana to the royal family’s other palace. Ryker and Raquel would leave in a few hours with a fake carriage sent before them.


This was to make sure that bandits or haters of the royal family didn’t get rid of the royal family in an attack. Of course, if anything did happen to the emperor, it would be on Raquel’s head.


Carriage Bump