Maeve uch Robert, daughter of Robert ap Morgan, had always heard the stories of her family's connection to the emperors of old. Not that she really believed them. But her sister, Morgain, clearly did. She's been trying to claim the crown for herself ever since a coup attempt killed the current emperor and wiped out most of the court.

To protect Maeve, Robert plans to enroll her safely in the Imperial Fleet Academy. Then Morgain strikes again . . . Now an orphan, years later, Maeve finds herself hiding as an enlisted spacer on a rebel ship. Every day, she fears being found out. Then a ship approaches claiming to carry a true heir to the throne.

Could this be her chance to escape . . . or just one more pretender soon to die? She'll just have to wait and see what this young heir, Hugh Cascade, is made of, before deciding to risk her life or let him lose his . . .