Grave Magic and Other Forms of Courtship

Ellenora Morgrave has a problem letting go. When her emotions grow unruly, so does her magic, and the creatures she accidentally raises from the dead refuse to return to the grave. In a kingdom where necromancy exists solely to investigate crimes against the crown, Ella’s undead family could spell her end. But when her father is murdered and her stepfamily stands to inherit not just his estate but his post as head necromancer, Ella must turn to investigations of her own.

Prince Silas has a problem hanging on. Over the years, he’s gained a bit of a reputation. But as sole heir, he’s used to the things he cares about being torn away, including the wild and slightly terrifying girl with a penchant for collecting wounded creatures he fell for in his youth. When his valet dies under suspicious circumstances and the palace guard can’t be trusted, he knows just who to turn to.

Together, Ella and Silas dig up a conspiracy, old wounds, and the dead. But setting things right will test the walls they’ve built to protect themselves, and as Prince Silas realizes he’s found something worth holding onto, Ella may be forced to finally let go.

Lady Katherine Demetra has great respect for the dead, she’s just not ready to join their ranks. As a high-born lady, gifted magic user, and presumptive heir to the title of King’s Undertaker, Kitty is used to having rivals. But when a discredited palace guard shows up at her door claiming he’s been hired to end her and begging she flee the kingdom, it’s a bit difficult to believe.

Besides, Kitty can’t leave. She has seven apprentices to train, an orphaned marmoset to home, and a full social calendar, not to mention the pesky prince who won’t stop proposing. And, palace guard or not, she certainly can’t trust Alexander Quinn, not when he’s currently under investigation by the crown.

Found at the site of his brother’s murder without a single witness to clear his name, it’s only a matter of time before Alec is thrown in a cell. With no family, no title, and no fortune, he’s just the sort of man desperate enough to kill for coin, or for the chance to escape prosecution. But when he refuses to carry out the task, the villain attempting to put out a contract on Kitty’s life hires someone else to finish the job—and to take care of Alec with her.

The evidence is clear; whoever is behind the plot has ties to both the palace guard and a highborn courtier. Alec and Kitty will have to work together to uncover the villain’s identity without the help of the guard or Kitty’s connections at court. But they can’t risk her position in society, so they must do so while pretending Alec is her bodyguard, a hired protector. They’ll have one chance to get everything they want, with the help of only their wits, Kitty’s magic, and seven well-trained apprentices.