Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. After a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys are the heart and hand of the kingdom's heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally. Thus, Arris espects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely, and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Admist glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream tress and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him... or lust for power. Until he meets Demelza. As a veritas swan, Demelza's song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides. While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be hear, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one's life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living.
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