Vedero turns sixteen. She knows what she wants, and what is possible.

After her father had foolishly backed the Tethimada in a failed coup against Varenechibel IV, Csethiro had to marry the Emperor's unloved fourth son and join him in relegation. She was prepared to endure any hardship for the sake of her family, but the reality of their first meeting proved to be very different from her expectations.

Maia falls sick. His friends and family take care of him.

Maia was on the verge of open revolt over the dinner party hosted by Marquis Lanthevel. In sooth, his host had been equally sceptical about the evening. While the dinner proved more entertaining than expected, Lanthevel is glad when the emperor departs. Some conversations are not meant for an emperor's ears. And, besides, the Lanthevada have a decision to make.

Living in the nursery when you are fourteen is not what anyone would want, but this is where Idra's life and choices have taken him.

When Maia is kidnapped by a faction hoping to halt the construction of Wisdom Bridge, Beshelar, gravely injured, is by his side. It might just be their undoing.

The Archprelate finds a chaplain for Maia.

"Art ill, Csethiro?" Maia pitched his voice low for her ears only. Her hand tightened on his, and he heard her quick, nervous inhalation before she said, "No, merely pregnant." Maia and Csethiro have all the babies.

Maia gives Csevet a somewhat unusual plant.

Maia and Csevet are shipwrecked together.

Tethimar has a bastard son who comes to court.

When Csevet is captured and injured by a faction opposed to Edrehasivar VII, the emperor's concern leads to a significant late-night conversation. Slash (Csevet/Maia). Csevet, Maia, original characters, background nohecharei. Warning for torture.