You were executed three days ago.

At least, that's what all of Ankh-Morpork believes.

But death, as it turns out, doesn't necessarily mean the end of a career.

Waking in a luxurious study, you find yourself facing Lord Vetinari himself — the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork. On the desk lies your death warrant. Beside it — a cup of tea and a marriage contract.

Vetinari offers you a deal: a new life, a new name, and a place at his side.

Purely for political reasons, of course.

For the Patrician has developed a small problem: aristocrats, foreign diplomats, and potential brides have decided it's time for Vetinari to marry. And a dead woman without family, past, or political connections turns out to be exactly the wife he needs.

It's merely a marriage of convenience.

At least, that was the original plan.

In Ankh-Morpork, there are too many people who would benefit from the Patrician's death, too many who wish to uncover the secret of his new wife — and too many reasons why Vetinari prefers to keep you close.

Perhaps the most dangerous thing about this marriage isn't the intrigue at all.

But that, over time, it becomes harder and harder to tell where political necessity ends and something real begins.

Discworld · Terry Pratchett · Ankh-Morpork · Lord Vetinari · Patrician · Fantasy · Political Intrigue · Fake Marriage · Marriage of Convenience · Contract Marriage · Second Chance · Resurrection · Secret Identity · Political Intrigue · Espionage · Crime · Murder Mystery · Slow Burn · Slow Burn Romance · Mutual Respect · Enemies to Allies · Power Imbalance · Forced Proximity · Arranged Marriage · Mutual Benefit · Intelligent Character · Manipulative Character · Morally Grey · Dry Humor · Dark Humor · Political Drama · Mystery · Comedy · Adventure