Life isn't easy for a mute princess. The servants and maids scoff at her. She is distant from her sisters and avoids conflict by hiding in her favorite books. No matter what, she can't escape the queen. Amadeus is a pawn in her mother's game of power and security. In an attempt to retain status and maintain her kingdom the queen makes a bold move to marry Amadeus off to a warlord in exchange for his army's protection against the chimeras. Worried about what may become of her, Amadeus dreads leaving her country and entering Tessafaye, which is run by the warlord Kade Soloman. The mute princess decides nothing could be worse than staying in the castle with her abusive mother. To her surprise, Amadeus isn't treated poorly in a house full of mercenaries. Everyone in her new home shows her unexpected kindness and respect. Amadeus begins to dissect the rumors about her husband, wondering if he's really as ruthless as he's been made out to be. The warlord and mute princess have lived brutal truths and together they find the truth in the silence.