The emperor died six years ago—and all vie for the throne. The last of her line, Herra's duty is to appoint an emperor. That simple task is made complicated when her past catches up to her, forcing her to rethink everything she knew about herself, the empire, and its future. For years, The Nameless Lover has used his skills of seduction to secretly determine the next emperor for Herra. His latest target is the emperor's son—a man who threatens to blow open The Lover's cover. Meanwhile, across the lands, Arthur is a loyal soldier who's faced with a choice that could determine the fate of the empire. A tyrant seeks the throne. Hidden truths come to light. The empire readies for war. With the future of the empire in their hands, Appointer, Lover, and Soldier discover that they're more closely entwined than they think.