In the grand empire of Malcosias, Lady Carolina Sanchez has found herself living a life far from what she imagined. Her new husband is unexpectedly tender, her in-laws surprisingly warm, and her enemies...closer than she ever anticipated. With the Founder’s Day Fete—a glittering event where she and Edward will proclaim their marriage—fast approaching, Carolina must navigate palace politics, masked threats, and an assassination attempt that has left her shaken. Her only shield is her impulsive bodyguard, Owen, who seems as ill-suited to the task as he is brash. But as dangers begin to close in, Carolina can’t help but wonder: Why was Owen chosen to protect her? Was it fate, mere coincidence, or something far more dangerous that placed him by her side?