Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

Running an organization like the Order as the interim ruler doesn’t leave Warlord Jared Grey with time for much else, the strain and stress of the assumed duty impacting his personal relationships deeply. Vel is left to her own devices, captured, collared once more, little more than a ghost of who Jared had come to know, haunting the halls of King’s Keep.

Galadrin seeks revenge, on a hunt of his own, leaving behind his brother Warlords and his darling Wildcat. Therus and Dove are far afield, spreading news of King Arik’s death, calling the Order members home.

Consequences are far reaching, something both Jared and Vel are all too familiar with, and there are more yet to come. By the Order’s standard, Vel is a tool, a weapon, possibly the Order’s greatest weapon. Decisions hang in the balance, Jared left in a role he didn’t want, one he wasn’t prepared to take, and he must decide how to proceed with Vel, with his user.

Despite the collar around her throat, despite being in human territory, Vel is still at risk, consequences of her actions in Althua stalking her in Dolheim, attempts on her life becoming the norm.

Jared has difficult choices before him, something becoming all too common for him. Does he pit Vel against his foes? Does he protect the woman he loves? Does the commitment to one’s oaths bear more weight than a love one bears for another?