The Alchemy Before the Dawn by Hayley Pierce

Sage is an alchemist with little magic but a brilliant mind, secretly working to democratize magic—a dangerous pursuit in a kingdom that believes few should wield real power. When a violent explosion destroys her home, Sage is forced to take shelter in the royal palace. Now, far removed from her books and laboratory, she’s trapped, navigating court intrigue and avoiding a deadly rebellion determined to exploit her research.

Assigned an enigmatic protector, Captain Eskar Devath, Sage clashes with him at every turn, but their constant tension hides an undeniable attraction. On a perilous quest for a rare mineral crucial to her research, Sage must confront shocking betrayals and make an impossible choice that could determine the fate of her people, her kingdom, and the man she’s falling for.