THE CALM BEFORE THE STORMCamellia makes it back to the manor safe and sound after a successful undercover mission. Her triumph is followed shortly by Kieran’s long-awaited and celebrated return to the capital. Peace doesn’t last long for them, however, as rising tensions between the Caian Empire and Gaior Kingdom push Prince Ian to make an offer—or rather, a threat—that House Bale cannot ignore. To make things more complicated, when Lord Claude realizes he harbors feelings for "Camellius, Lady Marilyn’s suspicions reach a breaking point! Can Camellia find a way to keep her identity safe? Or will the political climate of this dog-eat-dog world consume her?