Only a fool threatens those a Thornbear protects. Mordecai's shattered family is in chaos, but the world won't wait for them to recover. Trapped by a fiendish plot he didn't foresee, Mordecai finds himself powerless to redeem himself or defend his family. Alone and surrounded by enemies, Lady Rose has only her wits to protect those she loves. Though every hand turns against her, Rose Thornbear refuses to give up, and she will sacrifice whatever is necessary to save Penny's family, whether the price is her rank, dignity, or even her life.