Augusta is the first princess in a hundred years to become a rider of the creatures in the sky. She’s led a pampered life, but she’ll throw all of that away to fly. Every sword fight in the mud and every night she sleeps on the hard ground will be worth it.
On the day of Choosing, when she’s about to step in front of the crowd, Rorius Secondus shoves into her from behind on a hillside slope, sending her sprawling into the mud. She won’t look weak and refuses to use her royal status as a crutch. So she does what any sane woman would do. She slaps him across the face, leaving a red mark for him to remember her by.
If anything, Rori grows more intrigued. Though they’ve joined different divisions, neither of them can ignore the other. When rumors spread of slavery in a neighboring island kingdom, Augusta and Rori are part of the mission assigned to investigate.
Rori explored those seas growing up with his merchant father and will aid the experienced commanders with navigation. Augusta is less than pleased with her own role, a temptation of marriage to the prince to ensure their welcome into a hostile nation.
But Augusta can’t ignore the rising tension with Rori that only grows on their journey, no matter the many lines that separate them.
