Bookish, nonbinary Ruarnon thought their biggest challenge was proving themself a worthy heir to Tarlah's perfect King. But when assassins strike, and their parents are abducted, Ruarnon must take on the burden of the throne in the face of unreliable allies and a brutal, expansionist neighbour. To end a war that has overshadowed their kingdom's entire history, Ruarnon will need more than a sharp mind and superior tactics, they'll need a bargaining chip.Trapped in Ruarnon's world, feisty Linh is desperate to return to Australia and is not above using the locals' belief she's a figure straight out of their myths to do it. But to take her best shot at getting home, she'll have to sail to Ruarnon's court with reinforcements while avoiding a growing plague of monsters.If Linh succeeds, she'll possess knowledge crucial to the continent's defence, knowledge that could help Ruarnon secure lasting peace. Ruarnon knows the second element crucial to peace is working with the enemy, so to pursue their heart's desire, they devise a plan which risks betrayal, all Tarlah and their own murder.