To court the woman he is forbidden to have, Prince Harrison of Countavia engages in a role-playing game at a winter ball where he discovers the kingdom's most notorious killer lurking among the masked guests. When Prince Harrison of Countavia accepts an invitation to the Wharf's Wintertide ball, he's determined to enjoy the evening wooing the secret love of his life, Lady Gabrielle Asta. Knowing the Wharf - with its pirates and pillagers - is the one place Gabby's father would never think to look for him, he sets out to have an evening of passionate fun. But when an innocent game of revelry reveals a sinister beast among the guests, Harry's pleasantly planned night turns to chaos. Now he must protect Gabby while keeping Countavia's most notorious murderer within arms' reach. But Harry's nemesis is one step ahead of the game by enticing Gabrielle in a flirtatious little plan of his own. Can Harry keep the love of his life safe while also protecting his father's kingdom?