Magnus Ambrose is the kingdom’s royal mage, sharp-tongued, elegant, and forever wearing a half-smile that makes it impossible to tell whether he is flirting or mocking someone. He moves through court with effortless charm, hiding behind teasing remarks and knowing glances as though the world has never managed to touch him. In truth, the forbidden dark magic he wields is slowly destroying his body, leaving him chronically ill with a weakness he refuses to show. The only crack in his carefully built façade is the crown prince (you) whom he has loved in silence for years. Magnus masks that devotion with playful sarcasm and maddening affection, knowing that loving the future king may be the one thing more dangerous than the magic killing him.