A prince is dead. A sister is condemned. A kingdom built on lies is beginning to crack. Tam never expected to survive killing the crowned prince. Now she and Clement are fugitives, racing to the royal palace before Clement's sister, Cattie, is executed in the Yuletide Celebration-a deadly spectacle disguised as a sacred tradition. To save Cattie, Tam must infiltrate the palace where every trial brings another prisoner closer to death, and every victory comes at a terrible cost. But beneath the palace lies an even darker secret. As Tam uncovers the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of magic wielders, she realizes the conspiracy reaches far beyond the royal family-and may hold the key to her own past.

With time running out and enemies closing in, Tam faces an impossible choice: expose the kingdom's greatest secret or save the woman they came to rescue. Perfect for readers who love epic fantasy, deadly trials, political intrigue, hidden magic, found family, impossible bargains, and high-stakes adventure.