A new fight for the throne begins, and this time, Rowan's heart is on the line.

Rowan's sleeping curse is broken by a stranger's kiss. Their happily ever after should begin, but they aren't in love. They struggle to develop feelings as plots of betrayal, mysterious deaths, and a sword-wielding mother-in-law challenge them.

When the king sets up a Queen's Competition as an attempt to settle unrest, Rowan's place is threatened. She must fight for the prince she ought to love to secure his position at court, while competing in challenges that seek to unravel her, bit by bit. For though they can force her to compete, she's the only competitor who knows she can never truly win.

Just as Rowan finds her place, a poison apple could destroy it all.

Filled with romance, danger, mystery, and twists of familiar fairytales, including Snow White and Princess and the Pea. The second in a duology, starting with The Winter Charlatan.