Princess Aurora has been raised to smile, obey, and accept the marriage her kingdom needs from her. She would rather choose almost anything else. When court pressure, dangerous magic, and a threat inside her own family finally push her beyond the palace's protection, rescue comes from the last person she expects: a Stonebound creature the kingdom would call a monster. Beneath the stone and shadow is Robin, the boy who once knew Aurora before duty turned every friendship into politics. He is no longer the person she remembers, yet the tenderness between them survives the years, the secrets, and the body he has been forced to hide. Their reunion offers Aurora something the crown never has, the possibility of being seen as a woman instead of an alliance. It also places both of them at the center of a conflict involving fae power, manipulated loyalties, and a kingdom edging toward war. Aurora's own magic is awakening in ways she cannot control, and the people around the throne have plans for that power. Robin can protect her from soldiers and monsters, but he cannot choose what she will become. As old promises return and the line between protector and weapon begins to blur, Aurora must decide whether freedom means escaping the crown or confronting the forces using it. Loving Robin may be the first choice that truly belongs to her, but keeping that choice could cost them the kingdom they are trying to save.
Princess Aurora has been raised to smile, obey, and accept the marriage her kingdom needs from her. She would rather choose almost anything else. When court pressure, dangerous magic, and a threat inside her own family finally push her beyond the palace's protection, rescue comes from the last pe...