Restored to her former state of health (and determination) Lady Cecelia goes in search of fresh bloodstock--she's had enough of politics. But once again she manages to put herself--and Heris Serrano--at the point where lightning will strike. This time it's invasion from the neighboring empire: The Benignity of the Compassionate Hand. Heris is only a civilian now, with a space yacht--what can she do in the face of a full-scale fleet of warships? But she is also a Serrano--born to lead.