Eselle has secretly subverted Likalsta's despotic king for years--gathering information, relaying messages, and negotiating with nobles. After her next contact is mysteriously delayed, she's forced to wait for him in a small town. When she meets a local, pregnant widow named Cristar, the women forge an incredible friendship. But Cristar isn't the only one who notices Eselle.

Kyr, the enigmatic regional commander who's driven to reach the top, has his eye on her. As she does on him, sparking a steamy affair.

In a horrific turn of events, the king outlaws pregnancy, and Kyr arrests Cristar

Forced to take sides, unwilling to lose anymore people she cares about, Eselle stages a daring rescue. The two women battle the wilds of Likalsta, join forces with a rogue mage, and learn the meaning of family as they fight to save Cristar's unborn child--all the while being relentlessly pursued by Kyr.

As the chase escalates, the lines between friend and foe blur. In a realm full of secrets, is there anyone Eselle can trust?