All Lanna wants is to find peace in a tiny village on the edge of the empire. The imperial people offer her opportunities she’s never dared to dream of. Seduced and enchanted by her new home, she agrees to a betrothal. 

But her life is turned upside-down when Lanna draws the attention of a noblewoman from the distant First City.

Lanna is forced to travel to the palace at the heart of the empire. There, she must deal with court power games, a spiteful nemesis and a fickle Emperor.

Yet, all is not as it seems in this place of silk and luxury. Lanna will face the biggest decision of her life, one that could change the fate of the whole empire.