A princess for whom the immortal roses bloom. A queen for whom they wither. A hero bound to both. *** Centuries before Mara held her first blade, another princess dreamt of knighthood. Born second in line to the throne, Clarissa envisioned a life unfettered by protocol. Under the tutelage of the royal guard, she thrived while being trained in the art of swordplay and the knights' ancient codes of honor. When her elder brother dies unexpectedly, Clarissa’s destiny is forever altered, thrusting her onto a throne she never desired. In her new position as queen, Clarissa is forced to make choices benefiting the Lorcan kingdom, at the cost of straining the delicate relationship with her remaining family. Protected from the throne’s demands, Clarissa’s younger sister, Princess Mellissa, is allowed to follow her heart’s desires. Envious of her sister’s freedom, a deep-seated jealousy brews in Clarissa—an envy that grows as Mellissa marries her love, Captain Michael, and bears him a child while Clarissa, desperate to provide the kingdom an heir, remains barren. When Clarissa’s anger threatens his family, Michael devises a plan, which will not only irrevocably alter the fate of the daughter he seeks to save from the queen's twisted wrath, but the destiny of the immortal courts.