In the course of one disastrous meeting, Allen went from being hailed as his hometown's savior to a fugitive from his own kingdom's aristocracy. Even the brilliant tutor never saw that coming—although his partner Lydia did, if her well-packed suitcase is anything to go by. Finally making good on years of threats, she whisks him away to the city of water, where they can escape their homeland in style. But the renowned tourist destination is currently the capital of an enemy nation, and Allen's friends have more planned for his trip than lying low and taking in the sights. Conspiracy lurks behind scenic canals and historic buildings as rival factions vie to prolong the war or conclude peace, and the specter of a more sinister power moves among them. Even working together, Allen and Lydia may finally have met their match.