Ransom of Crowns by K. J. Neithercutt

A merciless attempted assassination. The symbol on a single arrow...

Elion, a princess known by the title, The Jewel of South Ellesmere, is repulsed by the long held royal tradition of marrying at 16. She evades, rebels, and fights every attempt her parents make at finding her a worthy match, a suitor whom can provide wealth and resources to their lands. Her stubbornness holds true even as her parents hopes start to wane, that is... until she unexpectedly meets a prince she actually likes.

In her heart, she battles with herself: maintain her stubbornness like she always has against marriage? Or... follow this new hearts desire?

In the midst of embracing new ideas and perspectives of what she wants, Elion is thrown into a world of chaos when an assassin attempts to kill her father. With her father wounded and her mother occupied, Elion and her new love must work together to investigate who was responsible for such an evil act... and discover a deep dark secret neither of them could’ve anticipated or imagined.