Thorns of the Gilded Court

In the Gilded Court of Aethelgard, beauty is a weapon and silence is survival. Elara is a spy with a poisoned kiss, sent to assassinate Prince Kaelen, the realm's "beastly" heir. But Kaelen is no monster; he is a prisoner of a generational curse that binds his sanity to the kingdom's safety. Trapped between a ruthless advisor who controls the throne and a magic that consumes him from within, Kaelen waits for death.
When Elara infiltrates the palace under the guise of Lady Vespera, she intends to strike quickly. Instead, she finds a man bearing the weight of a rotting empire on his scarred shoulders. As she navigates a labyrinth of political deceit and ancient magic, the line between hunter and protector blurs. To save the prince, Elara must uncover the truth behind the Shadow Weavers' pact-a truth that demands a sacrifice far greater than her mission requires.
Thorns of the Gilded Court is a standalone adult fantasy novel featuring intricate world-building, high-stakes political maneuvering, and a slow-burn romance forged in fire and secrecy. Perfect for fans of atmospheric courts, morally gray characters, and magic systems with a heavy cost. Approximate length: 16, 096 words.