After the stake and suitors are put away, the king and pawn rest in the same wooden box. Such are power games: ruthless, unpredictable, fought on fronts where dominance collides with affection. For her, Amalia, wars can be started that echo through the ages. For love, walls can crumble and entire civilizations can collapse. When buried secrets come to light, they will be enough to topple empires, and when those truths are spoken, they will have the power to undo a history bloodied by the sacrifices of the innocent. But everything takes an unexpected turn when Jake Carter appears on the scene, an intelligent detective who not only has a special connection with Amalia, but also plays an important role in Robert's life. "Tick tock," time ticks in Robert Walsh's ears, "every second that passes is not only a lost moment for you, but a strike against Amalia Smith. What you didn't anticipate is that fate will play against you, facing a crucial choice. You have two lives to save and time for both is running out simultaneously. Tick tock, Robert Walsh! Who will you choose to protect? Blood ties or the power of love?"