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 paused for a moment before adding, “I hope you can understand my delay for not bringing all this forward earlier. I was not sure how deep this went without a proper investigation.”


“Or you were just looking for an excuse to overthrow your father…” The emperor muttered softly, speaking fpr the first time.


Raquel wouldn't deny part of this hearing was to overthrow her father, but another part was indeed about getting justice.


She needed to get rid of the emperor and his corrupt lackeys if she was ever going to change the empire for the better.


Raquel never really thought about the future, the curse always reminding her she could die at any moment. But now she didn't have to live with such a sword hanging over her head.


She could plan a future for herself and her empire.


“Think what you want, but your victims deserve justice and as a just princess, I'll  give them that.” Raquel retorted as she sent the emperor a sharp look.


'Slip of Tongue'