Ruby considers herself lucky to be a housemaid for Lumaria’s royal family. After the parents she doesn’t remember were killed in a short but deadly war with neighboring Castella, a kind stranger placed Ruby in the care of Mellie, who was the royal family’s cook. Ruby grew up in the castle, befriended handsome Rowan, one of King Octavius’ sons, and secretly played asynchronous games of chess in the royal library against an unknown opponent. Ruby never imagined that, as a poor girl of unknown origins, she would become Lumaria’s reigning queen. She’s thrust into a terrifying new world, forced to prepare for her coronation, fortify herself against antiroyalist protestors, and possibly marry one of the princes to secure her place on the throne. To make matters worse, Ruby discovers a hidden message, left for her by the king himself, warning her that she’s in danger and that he was murdered—likely by someone close to him. Her life becomes an exacting game of chess: One wrong move and she may be the next piece to fall. Debut author Hart wastes no time launching the plot; the storytelling is straightforward and the worldbuilding is minimal. Readers can expect a satisfying stand-alone mystery with a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance that follows familiar beats. The cast presents white.
