Arya spent fifteen desolate years confined to a remote convent after her stepsister drugged her and branded her mentally unstable to usurp the earldom. Returning to the royal capital with venomous determination, she discovers her former betrothed groveling at her sister's feet while high society honors the frauds who destroyed her childhood.
Armed with ancient medical formulas, Arya coerces Leon, the duke's reputedly frail heir, into playing her doting companion to manipulate aristocratic politics. But Leon's coughing fits conceal a ruthless executioner who craves her sharp authority, silently exterminating enemy assassins while allowing his dangerous captor to believe she controls every move.
