In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, Kel is an orphan, stolen from his old impoverished life to become Prince Conor Aurelians 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 Castellanes 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?