For weeks, Mariko pretended to be a boy to infiltrate the notorious Black Clan and bring her would-be murderer to justice. She didn't expect to find a place for herself among the group of fighters - a life of alchemy and usefulness - and she certainly didn't expect to fall in love. But now, with the boy she loves captured and sentenced to execution, she must head to the imperial castle to resume a life she never wanted if she wants any chance to save him. With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko settles into her days at court and uses her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and