Alina Rowanhart has been raised with one goal in mind: become the empress. As the daughter of a duke, few noble ladies are as qualified as she is to hold such a prestigious and powerful position. Fewer still have the same level of support from other nobles backing them. So, now she spends her time making sure her appearance remains flawless. Smooth, pale skin. Perfectly manicured nails. Hair cut and styled into gentle curls that frame her face. Posture so straight that a book balanced on her head wouldn't even waver.
She reviews the etiquette that she perfected years ago, then practices dancing until every tiny bone in her feet aches. Being good enough to attend balls and galas is unacceptable. She must be flawless. Perfect in every way so that nobody—not even the emperor or crown prince—can deny that she's the best candidate for crown princess.
