An assassin without a name, born to kill. Owned by a vicious man who refuses to call her anything but girl, she is forced to commit atrocious acts of violence. Vowing to take her future into her own hands, the seventeen-year-old decides to risk everything on one act of defiance-drinking from The Death Drink. The beverage kills most whose lips touch it-only allowing those who are destined to be royalty survive the first sip. To the astonishment of the nation of Valcora, she imbibes it and lives, which crowns her queen. Thrown into a life of royal intrigue, she now has a purpose-to rule with...

Ryn finally has a name, and a chance at life now that Daros has been taken to the dungeons. Or at least she did until he escaped. Not knowing whether to be scared or filled with rage, Ryn sets her guards out to find him. As much as she wants to help, Ryn must be the Queen her people needs. Or try to be. There's much she needs to do, but she sees Daros everywhere, hunting her. No one can seem to catch Daros, despite her spotting him, and his ruthlessness knows no bounds. When the unthinkable happens, Ryn must face her fears or lose all she's gained.