For fans of Red, White, and Royal Blue, and So This Is Ever After, this queer YA fantasy romance novel from debut author Juztin Bello follows two childhood best friends traversing across their kingdom to complete a coming-of-age quest. Together, they’ll best monsters, ward off unsavoury citizens, and uncover the royal family’s true history — all while navigating their complicated feelings for one other.

 

The last thing Prince Dimitri Einhardt expected on his coming-of-age pilgrimage was unearthing the truths buried deep within the catacombs of his family’s prosperous reign. That, and his feelings for his best friend catching fire. As the spare to Luxia’s throne, Dimitri refuses to besmirch the Einhardt name. He just has to get through his coming-of-age ball, complete his crusade, uphold the royal family’s reputation, appease the restless subjects, conceal his crush, and not die. Simple, right?

 

When Leander von Athans agreed to join Dimitri’s quest, he hadn't expected how out of his element he would be. His healing magic doesn't hold a candle to his late fathers’, and he’s worried about letting Dimitri down. Not to mention, his affections for his best friend are close to blossoming into something Leander can no longer hide.

 

Can either of them find solace in their hidden infatuations, or will their bond be quelled by the road ahead?

 

With a band of trusted allies surrounding them, family secrets that threaten to change everything, and an undeniable spark on the verge of igniting, Dimitri and Leander must determine what’s worth protecting each other from, and what’s worth fighting for.