there is a rot going around: a strange disease, that firstly twisted plants and crops and then also inflicted men and women working on the fields. The flowers would sprout through the skin and leaves would push through their eyes. Princess Malini may be the sister to the emperor but the truth is, that she gets drugged (or muted) by him. Still, it is better than the other option: that she would be dead. Priya is now a simple maid but once she was a strong, deadly girl with gifts. But one day Priya drops her cover one short moment to save her friend. We are being fed piece by piece with information and in my opinion, this makes the story very suspensful. The informations are given perfectly and fit good into the story, allowing for a coherent and fascinating world building. Although there are a lot of different viewpoints you‘ll get to know the characters pretty good. They help to develop the story and are weaved perfectly through it, in a way. Well written and well conducted story. I absolutely loved it, especially with the on-going metaphor of masks we wear for different aspects of our personality. Both Malini and Priya contain multitudes and are absolutely amazing women.