Fie, a sixteen-year-old chieftain from a lowly cast of mercy-killers, must rely on her wits and bone magic to smuggle the crown prince of Sabor to safety.

Fie's Crow caste of undertakers and mercy-killers takes more abuse than coin; when they're called to collect royal dead, she's hoping they'll find the payout of a lifetime. But Crown Prince Jasimir faked his death, and Fie's ready to cut his throat. He offers a wager that she can't refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he'll protect the Crows when he reigns. Hawk warrior Tavin, Jas's bodyguard, magically assumed the prince's appearance and shadowed his every step, but is beginning to want something to call his own. The trio must form an uneasy alliance to escape Queen Rhusana. -- adapted from jacket