Arabella is living in an society where democracy has become a thing of the past and monarchy has taken over. Living in the kingdom of Dahlia, Arabella had been subjected to living in the Academy all her life.

However at age 18, she is forced to leave and therefore either:

1) Becomes a human incubator, breeding children for the kingdom

2) Sold off at auction to a man who would make her his wife.

Or 3) Being chosen to compete in the coming-of-age competition. A chance to win the heart of the Prince and the crown.

All were terrible fates, but only one included him.

_________

"Are you sure you're one of the girls? You seem like a spy to me. Are you spy, Arabella?" My name rolled of his tongue perfectly and I stood completely still as he took another step closer to me.

"You know, it's my job to eliminate spies."

"Eliminate me huh? I'd like to see you try." I was surprised by my response, just as much as he was, and he raised one of his perfectly shaped eyebrows at me.

"Is that a challenge? I like a challenge." He whispered huskily, backing me up against the wall. I gulped as his head inched closer towards me. He seemed hesitant, almost as if testing my boundaries.

Then, he leaned in.