One was raised to rule. One was trained to die . . .

In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, Kel is an orphan, stolen from his old impoverished life to become Prince Conor Aurelian's body-double. As his 'Sword Catcher', he and Conor will become as close as brothers. Yet Kel lives for one purpose: to die for Conor.

Lin Caster is an Ashkar physician, part of a community ostracized for its rare magical abilities. After a failed assassination attempt pulls her and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, who rules Castellane's criminal underworld. But as long-kept secrets are uncovered and forbidden attractions blossom, will their discoveries plunge their land into war - and nations into chaos?