Prince Armand knows he can be a good ruler. Unfortunately, his father can't see past Armand's stutter and would rather marry him off to strengthen their alliances than listen to him. Unbeknownst to Armand, however, the future of his people and of his happiness rests in the hands of the kingdom's most notorious thief, the Magpie.
Cyn's only hope for redemption from her role in her father's death lies in saving her family from the streets. Under her stepmother's direction, Cyn prepares for her biggest-and hopefully last-heist: robbing the gentry blind at the upcoming masquerade ball. But when the handsome prince catches Cyn in the act, sparks fly and an unusual deal is struck: her freedom in exchange for nightly conversation.
Nothing is as it seems, though, and as war looms on the horizon, two proud hearts must learn to trust, forgive, and find the confidence they need in order to save the kingdom and themselves.
For fans of Marissa Meyer, Shannon Hale's Goose Girl, and Jennifer Nielsen's False Prince series.
A reluctant female, he-falls-first romance with secret identities, forced proximity, and light fantasy magic weaving it all together.