Each person is born with a magical symbol of their heart, connected to the one inside their chest, that exists outside of them. It can never be taken, and can only be given once.

Princes Analeia has sworn her heart to the emperor of the empire across the sea, but her journey getting to him is full of unforeseen obstacles and consequences. Will her heart still be hers to give when she makes it to the empire or will it be captured by the pirate captain helping her?