Princess Seren has always expected her life to be one of duty and order, and her upcoming marriage alliance is no exception: She’ll sail to Bytamia to marry the crown prince as expected. But what she doesn’t expect is for the voyage to her new life to be delayed by the whims of an enchanted map and an adventure to a mystical island rumored to contain a legendary treasure. 

She especially doesn’t expect - nor does she appreciate - the unwanted attentions of the charming yet infuriating captain who seems determined to befriend her, and who also possesses the uncanny ability to see beyond the mask she's always shown the world. Seren feels her careful control rapidly slipping away as the captain breaks down her defenses one by one, forcing her to face her fears and vulnerabilities and causing her to experience feelings she’s never felt before. 

But this voyage will soon involve more than ships, treasure, and a far-too-endearing and persistent captain; it will also lead Seren on a journey that will allow her to heal, discovering both her own true worth and the greatest treasure of all: love. But is love even possible with the duty Seren must perform, a duty that just may be her last chance to redeem herself? 

Inspired by “King Thrushbeard”