Ximena serves as decoy for the true Condesa, standing in for the last Illustrian royal after Atoc seized power using an ancient relic to summon spirits and banish her people from La Ciudad. When the usurper demands marriage to the real Condesa, Ximena takes her place gladly. Spies report Atoc no longer carries his powerful artifact, giving Ximena the opening she craves. She weaves moonlight into thread, hiding coded messages for the resistance in her tapestries while searching for the relic that could restore Illustrian rule. Her mission grows complex when she encounters a masked rebel, a kind princess, and a caring healer who force her to question everything. They show her a path to victory that doesn't require another bloody conflict, but choosing it means abandoning her burning need for vengeance and betraying the Condesa she serves.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: La Ciudad
Period: ancient
Paperback · Page Street Publishing Co.