There are consequences to each and every action, whether you chose to act or were forced to.

Empress is left reeling after being forced to kill a primordial, the gunmetal collar snug around her throat forcing her hand just as much as Warlord Jared Grey had. News of the slaying of the elven Witch Queen reaches them and Empress mourns her ruler even as Jared celebrates her death. Empress struggles with herself, wanting to be near her Warlord even as she desperately wants to be free, to escape human lands and human control.

Warlord Jared Grey must return to King’s Keep, must bring word of what happened in Teale to King Arik the Pious, must report the successes and failures he and his brother Warlord Therus Attlock wrought. Even as he keeps to his oaths and teachings, Jared sees how he has wounded the fledgling relationship between himself and his user, sees how Empress grieves. She is his weapon, his tool, but he still cares for her, still wants her to be happy and safe.

Her Warlord gives her a gift, a chance, and Empress does what she can to be worthy of it.