An Honorable Deception — Riya Aarini

A crown prince holds a secret. If he reveals it, he risks losing the throne. If he doesn't, he risks losing even more—love. In the mid-twentieth century, patriarchal norms abound in the Kingdom of Gulaz. Princess Maryam, dressed and treated as a boy since birth to ensure succession to the throne, is known to all as Prince Mahib. Life in Gulaz is peaceful until King Dariush's death. In his final moments, the king divulges a prophecy that forever changes the prince's fate and that of the kingdom's. Still clutching the secret of his gender tightly to his bosom, King Mahib takes the throne and promotes equality for women and men alike. But he finds himself slowly falling in love with the prince of an ally nation. Danger strikes, and his kingdom is threatened by a beast who believes women should be put in their place. King Mahib must fight this enemy and his misogynistic ways, not only to save himself but to preserve the welfare of all Gulazian citizens. Will his kingdom fall to the beast? Will he reveal his long-held secret to embrace true love? Readers who relish magical realism will be transported by this heartfelt journey of tormented royalty, fantastical foes, and the noble fight for power and redeeming love.