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by Kayla Maya (Author)
Torn from her quiet village and thrust into the ruthless splendor of the imperial court. Li Mei is forced to compete in the Empress Games-a deadly tradition where thirty-two girls are offered up for one purpose: to win the heart of Prince Li Wei and secure the future of the realm.
But Li Mei was never meant for silk gowns or courtly smiles. She wants nothing of crowns, princes, or carefully staged affection. All she wants is to survive long enough to return home.
As the Games tighten their grip, Li Mei finds herself caught between the expectations of a prince bound by duty and the forbidden pull of a guard sworn to protect her-one who sees her not as a pawn, but as a person.
Yet romance is the least of her worries when whispers of war creep through the court and an ancient enemy begins to stir beyond the borders.
Because the Games are not what they seem. And Li Mei is not as ordinary as she believes.
As shadows rise and kingdoms tremble, one truth becomes impossible to ignore:
The Azure Dragon is awakening-and it has chosen her.
