Inkluit Deahan heads a merchant bank, the fastest rising new House in Nervia, financial heart of imperial Assharral. Ber'az, son of Zam, is Assharral's unpredictable, redoubtable, far too observant mage-emperor. If they met and fell in love the encounter might herald a marriage made in financial heaven. But some large and perilous spanners jeopardize the works. Such as Inkluit's career path, Phaz's formidable moral code, and a lingering family legacy of hate.