"Sovieshu's lover, his mistress, and the future mother of his child--Rashta's got it all--on the surface, that is. What she really wants is to be able to keep herself and the bay safe on her own, regardless of whether she has the favor of the emperor. The largest obstacle standing in her way? Navier, or so she believes. And when her sole confidant, Duke Ergi, advises her that the best defense is a good offense, Rashta comes to realize exactly what...

Navier and Heinrey have agreed to marry! Heinrey is over the moon, despite the political nature of their initial arrangement, but Navier is still reeling form Sovieshu's decision to separate. She must scramble to recover, though, knowing full well that the emperor will do everything in his power to prevent their union. And so, when the day of the formal trial arrives, Navier brandishes her and Heinrey's trump card -- "I accept this divorce ... and...