Rayce is holding the Gardener captive within the confines of the rebellion stronghold. Keeping him alive because he's giving them intel on the emperor. Rose knows he's leading them in to a trap, but every move he gives them proves his worth. Playing Rose against Rayce is driving a wedge between them. Regretting she didn't kill him when she had the chance, Rayce won't listen to her now. The battle is nigh, and we will know thy enemies for what they are. Sacrifices will be made, difficult choices cannot be undone, the strong will survive. The ultimate battle for her people races to its conclusion. War. The crown. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for Netgalley.