Book excerpt: Snared by evil ... freed by love ... When Raja, a peasant in a village outside of a royal manor, is appointed by a young lord, Pavel, to serve in the manor, she quickly meets Hannah, her long-lost cousin, and learns of her real status—Princess and heir to the throne of Zurkia. But, Hannah’s father, known as the Dark Prince, wants Raja gone so he can rule the kingdom. After Raja is awarded a double-edged sword, her test of bravery and faithfulness has just begun. Caught in a corrupt society of slavery and abduction, she becomes its victim, and the Dark Prince, who vows to take over the throne of Zurkia, seeks to destroy Raja and the royal family. On her journey, Raja relies on the wise words of Hannah: “Doing good will heal your soul.” While the security of the throne diminishes and hope is almost lost, new confidence resurrects when Raja learns that the people she’s touched along the way are eager to help her. Together, they embark on the battle for survival.