The Darkness Within Us

Why these tropes fit

Chrysantha, a duchess who conceals her sharp ambition and intelligence behind a frivolous facade to secure her inherited fortune and freedom, navigates tense royal family drama with her soon-to-be queen sister and a mysterious estranged grandson threatening her inheritance, relying on her morally flexible drive to get what she wants no matter the cost.

Evidence from the source

• Court Intrigue: “her little sister is going to be queen and is rubbing it in her face. Chrysantha decides that the only thing to do is upstage Alessandra at her own wedding.” source
• Hidden Identity: “By hiding her intelligence and ambition behind the mask of a beautiful air-headed girl, she has become a wealthy duchess.” source
• Strong Heroine: “Chrysantha decides that the only thing to do is upstage Alessandra at her own wedding.” source
• Marriage of Convenience: “By hiding her intelligence and ambition behind the mask of a beautiful air-headed girl, she has become a wealthy duchess. And, once her elderly husband dies, she will have all the freedom, money, and safety she’s ever wanted.” source
• Morally Gray: “Chrysantha wants Eryx Demos dead, and in the end, a Stathos girl always gets what she wants.” source

Metadata source: Google Books. Quotes are used only to verify the tags.