Devoured this book so fast. If I didn’t have work between this read I know this would’ve easily been read in 24 hours. This book was an amazing pick up from the first. It really focuses on the character development of Lara and Aden. We see both grapple between their sense of duty and what their hearts desire. Lara became a much more likeable character as we navigated her redemption and Aren’s sense of betrayal was also very well explored. This book was a masterclass in balancing the political plot with its romantic subplot - at no point did it feel like it was dragging. The ending scene at the portcullis was insane and one that will definitely stick with me for a long time. This series is now just as loved as my SJM reads!