In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Khalid was beside her in a few long strides, pressing his hand to the ebony door. Preventing her from leaving.“What do you want me to do?” he said in a low voice.She did not look up, though her heart thrummed in her throat. “Prove that a real man doesn’t make a show of what’s his. It just is.”“Is it? Are you mine?” Khalid asked with quiet solemnity.Her conviction wavered further. “I told you; don’t try to own me.”“I don’t want to own you.”She swiveled her neck to meet his gaze. “Then never speak of sending me away again. I am not yours to do with as you will.”Khalid’s features smoothed knowingly. “How right you are. You are not mine.” He dropped his palm from the door. “I am yours.”