The Mercy Makers

Iriset is the daughter of a powerful crime boss. Under the alias Silk, she is also a prodigy who makes forbidden magic: disguises and enhancements that give people wings or night-sight, cure disease, and even hold out the chance of ending mortality. She hopes to use the gift to remake what being human means.

The empire hunts anyone who practises her kind of magic. Then her father is captured and condemned to die, and Iriset sets out to free him. The only route runs through the palace.

She poses as a sheltered young lady and hides who she is from the empire's fanatical ruling family. The Emperor's sister takes her in as a lady in waiting, and Iriset keeps the act going among the very people who would condemn her work.

Then a piece of poisoned candy drags her back into the identity of Silk. It also offers an unexpected opening to bring the empire down from the inside, while her father's execution still hangs over her.