Restored to her former state of health (and determination) Lady Cecelia goes in search of fresh bloodstock-she's had enough of politics. But once again she manages to put herself-and Heris Serrano-at the point where lightning will strike. This time it's invasion from the neighboring empire: The Benignity of the Compassionate Hand. Heris is only a civilian now, with a space yacht-what can she do in the face of a full-scale fleet of warships? But she is also a Serrano-born to lead.