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In this extended edition of #1 New York Times best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz´s dazzling tale of glamour, enchantment, and betrayal, love is risked and lives are lost in a desperate battle to save the kingdom from a devious foe determined to control the empire.

Once, they were inseparable, just two little girls playing games in a formidable castle. Now Princess Marie-Victoria, heir to the mightiest empire in the world, and Aelwyn Myrddyn, a bastard mage, face vastly different futures. As the annual London season begins-a whirlwind of wealth and magic marked by lavish parties and gorgeous girls vying for the attention of young royals-the talk of the town is Ronan Astor, a social-climbing American with only her beauty to recommend her. After falling for a handsome rogue on the voyage over, she must balance her desire for love with her duty to save her family´s position. Meanwhile, Isabelle of Orleans finds herself cast aside by Leopold, heir to the Prussian crown, in favor of a political marriage to Marie-Victoria. Isabelle is bent on reclaiming what is hers, but Marie doesn´t even want Leopold-she lost her heart long ago to a boy she will never be able to have. Desperate to escape a life without love, Marie turns to Aelwyn, and the girls form a perilous plan that endangers the fate of the monarchy.

"Preening royalty, a touch of magic, and dramatic betrayal. What´s not to love?" -Teen Vogue
"This character-driven novel has fabulous balls, glitzy gowns, and plenty of drama and plot twists, making it hard to put down." -School Library Journal

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"This character-driven novel has fabulous balls, glitzy gowns, and plenty of drama and plot twists, making it hard to put down."-School Library Journal

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Melissa de la Cruz schreibt für die ´New York Times´, ´Glamour´, und ´Marie Claire´. Sie lebt mit ihrem Mann in L.A.

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Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many best-selling novels. She is also a frequent contributor to Glamour, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, and Cosmopolitan. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.

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