The Royal Spares

As the second-born princess of a kingdom conquered by a brutal empire, I'm nothing but a pawn. Little do I expect my parents to arrange my marriage to the most powerful bachelor of all: the son of the emperor himself. But when I arrive at the imperial palace, I discover I must compete for my betrothed—vying with the court noblewomen in a series of humiliating trials to prove our devotion. Those who fail will be executed. For the sake of my country, I'll risk my life to win my husband—this sadistic man who applauds the torment and flaunts his lovers.

I came to Dariu to win a husband—and an empire. I wasn't prepared for that husband to be so set in his brutal ways, for his people to see our marriage as a bad omen... or for my heart to be aching for three princes I can't have. I can't afford to let any of those problems stop me. My kingdom is counting on me, and all the conquered countries of the empire need my help. I'll win the respect of every skeptic and enemy, no matter what dangers I have to face.

An unexpected confession from my husband has left me reeling. How can I trust him after everything he's put me through? This feels like one more layer in his sadistic game. I can't let his secret matter, not when I'm so close to claiming the empire and setting all its horrors right with the princes I love by my side.

The balance of power has finally swung in my favor—on the mortal plane. It seems one of our gods objects to my new position and will stop at nothing to unseat me. I'll have to rely on every trick up my sleeve, all the devotion the men I love have to offer, and the faith that's kept me strong through so many trials before. Even if that means watching my princes walk away.

Everyone knows you don't mess with the empire. Our tyrannical overlords rule our conquered kingdom with an iron fist. Even after they killed my parents and left me orphaned and ostracized, I've swallowed my resentment. I survive by keeping my head down, scavenging the scraps my neighbors discard.