When a forbidden prophecy awakens, a quiet librarian discovers she's the lost heir to a Fae throne—and her only hope of survival is marrying the ruthless prince who kidnapped her. Elara's ordinary life among dusty books shatters when black ash falls on her library and a dark prince from a realm she thought mythical appears at her door. Kairos, the Ash Prince of the Unseelie Court, claims she's the prophesied Starlight Heir, destined to unite two warring Fae courts or watch both realms die to a spreading corruption called the Blight. There's just one condition: she must become his wife. Thrust into a glittering, dangerous world of ancient magic and lethal politics, Elara must navigate a marriage of convenience to a prince who sees her as a pawn, her awakening hybrid magic—both starlight and shadow—that could save or destroy everything, a mother's legacy of secrets and a father's protective lies, and a court that views her half-human blood as contamination. Kairos needs her power to secure his throne and stop the Blight. Elara needs his protection from those who would kill a half-breed heir. But as ancient prophecies unfold and dark forces gather, their fake marriage becomes the only real thing in a court of illusions. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, this enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance features a bookish heroine discovering her power, a morally gray Fae prince bound by duty but yearning for more, and a marriage of convenience that turns achingly real. The Library & the Crown is the first book in the Heirs of Starlight series—a tale of magic, prophecy, and a love that could bridge two worlds or burn them both to ash. Approximately 85,000 words. Ends with happy-for-now for book one with an overarching series arc.