American Royals meets The Winner’s Curse in the first book of a dazzling duology from New York Times bestselling author Brittany Cavallaro about revolution, love, and friendship in a reimagined American monarchy.

The year is 1893, and war is brewing in the First American Kingdom. But Claire Emerson has a bigger problem. Claire’s father is a sought-after inventor, but he believes his genius is a gift granted to him by his daughter’s touch, so he keeps Claire under his control.

As their province prepares for war, Claire plans to escape, even as her best friend, Beatrix, tries to convince her to stay and help with the growing resistance movement that wants to see a woman on the throne.

When her father’s weapon fails to fire on the World’s Fair’s opening day, Claire is taken captive by Governor Remy Duchamp, St. Cloud’s young, untried ruler. Remy believes that Claire’s touch bestows graces he’s never had, and with political rivals planning his demise, Claire might be his only ally.

The last thing that Claire has ever wanted is to be someone else’s muse, but she finally has a choice: Will she quietly remake her world from the shadows—or bring it down in flames?

• An Alternate American History: A reimagined 1893 where George Washington was crowned king. Amid the wonders and dangers of the World’s Fair, a rebellion is brewing against the throne.
• A Cursed Gift: Claire’s touch is her father’s secret weapon, a power he’ll do anything to control. But he’s not the only one who wants to use her as a muse.
• Forced Proximity: Taken captive by the young, desperate Governor Remy Duchamp, Claire finds herself an unwilling ally to the very man who holds her prisoner.
• Enemies to Allies: With political rivals plotting his demise, Remy believes Claire is his only hope. But is she his key to survival or the spark that will ignite his ruin?