Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never leave you alone.

Life has never been kind to Nadia Crofton. Tossed from her home when she was eight, Nadia was grudgingly taken in and set to work in the kitchens of Westfold's ruling family. But with meager meals of bread and water and a bed by the damp fish tank, Nadia's life feels hopeless. Even Cinderella had it easier.

Everything changes when a rampaging dragon comes to town. Knowing there's only one way to appease a dragon, the town holds a lottery to determine which maiden to offer to it. Nadia doesn't cry when her name is drawn-she rejoices that her suffering will end.

Instead of eating her, the dragon leaves Nadia at the feet of its master, a handsome and terrifying being who goes only by the title "My Lord." The Lord gives her the freedom to do as she chooses and provides her with a life fit for a princess. But Nadia's explorations of the castle's upper floors reveal that other princesses, ones told of in the fairy stories, once lived there. What happened to them? Why is the Lord alone in the massive castle? Is he the handsome prince or someone much more sinister?

In an empty castle full of secrets, Nadia isn't sure who or what she can trust. Including the whisperings of her heart.