Ratty is Srathibene, Lord of Tivyuan, vassal under the failing rule of Emperor Song of Terkuhn and former lover to the Crown Prince of Song. Returning to the Imperial City after two years fighting the Emperor’s dirty war, she finds her loyalties in turmoil similar to the politics of the empire itself. The only thing she knows with certainty is that the Emperor must die. Killing an Emperor is no small task, and to secure Tivyuans independence and avoid the Emperor’s schemes Ratty must find new supporters in a capitol she barely recognizes. Under the shadow of the Witch-Clan and their legendary blood-curse