Nina had a rough start to life, orphaned and stealing to survive, only to be abducted for her unusual lapis lazuli eyes. But to her surprise, her captor, Prince Azure, ordained that she would live the life of a princess...specifically, that of the recently deceased princess-priestess, Alisha, who had her same eyes. Despite her changing fortune, Nina won't give up her old life without a fight. Azure might just be the one to finally match her wits, but how much can she trust him? And can she stop the feelings budding in her heart, knowing she must eventually marry another...?
Nina was plucked off the streets because she resembled a dead priestess--but is this a lucky break, or a new kind of curse? Winner of the Kodansha Manga Award, this fantasy shojo manga features intertwining constellations of palace intrigue and perilous romance, for fans of The Ancient Magus' Bride, The Apothecary Diaries, and Snow White With the Red Hair.

The king of Galgada has decided to eliminate the current order of succession, and a war for the throne revolving around who will successfully take Nina as their bride breaks out. While Nina is trying to become the queen of Galgada to protect Azure, Azure arrives undercover as a messenger from Fortna and suggests that Nina return with him. Nina barely has time to process this before the Galgada Lion Festival gets underway. the fighting tournament's many twists and turns lead to Azure and Sett crossing swords!