Shadows & Stardust Bk 4: A Royal Ransom

When Princess Anika travels to Solkara for Prince Kaelor Barrelthane’s coronation, she expects celebration, diplomacy, and a rare father–daughter journey. Instead, she walks straight into a trap.

Kaelor — ambitious, ruthless, and secretly aligned with Arthur — has plans far beyond the throne. He wants power, creatures, and control: Ignis Steeds, dragons,  every magical species he can claim. And to get them, he intends to rewrite the treaty between Alfwin and Solkara… by force.

His first move is simple: kidnap King Devin and hold him for ransom.

His second is far darker: Arthur, wearing another body created by Dr. Splicer, poses as a “captured prisoner” to gain Anika’s trust. Once she escapes the initial attack — exactly as Arthur intends — he plans to abduct her, break her will with forbidden magic, and marry her to seize legal claim to her kingdom.

King Torvak doesn't know of his son's treachery. Kaelor's sister, Princess Valora has no idea of her brother’s betrayal. Neither kingdom sees the danger rising beneath the coronation. And Anika and Bruce are walking into the heart of it.

As Solkara’s sun‑stone palace becomes a battlefield of deception, Anika must uncover Kaelor’s plot, protect her father, and face Arthur’s newest form — one designed specifically to manipulate her.

But Kaelor wants creatures. Arthur wants Anika. And both want a kingdom.

The coronation is only the beginning.