The nine Aster siblings have survived the worst orphanage in Elkeña-and now they're done running. Determined to expose the cruelty they endured, they march straight to the royal palace...only to discover a princess who is kinder than anyone they've ever known.Princess Wilma offers them safety, comfort, and a new start. She even introduces them to three more orphans who are added into their growing family.But the palace walls hide dangerous secrets.When one of the Asters is nearly assassinated and a mysterious letter surfaces, the truth unravels: Princess Wilma isn't benevolent at all-she's a powerful enchantress plotting to destroy the neighboring country of Tranta Moteen. And she wants the Clanesech, a legendary source of magic, to do it.Now the Asters must outrun the most powerful woman in the kingdom, destroy the Clanesech before it falls into her hands, and survive wild creatures, ruthless Foresters, and the terror of Kandest Fortress.They wanted a home.They found a quest that could change a kingdom.