Sent by her adoptive father to a prestigious school where young women are trained to become living works of art, Marrow is determined to become the first magical sculptress the Empire has ever known. Before her seventeenth birthday, she must present a contract of patronage signed by a wealthy sponsor to guarantee repayment of her debts. In spite of her burgeoning renown, no one will make her an offer.

Just days before her chance at fame and fortune vanishes forever, Marrow meets a mysterious benefactor whose patronage has but one condition — one that will hurl Marrow completely unprepared into a realm of ruthless sabotage, harrowing revelations, and tortuous court intrigue.