Servant of the Empire

As the Riftwar draws to its tumultuous end, Mara is set upon at every turn by dark magic, political murder, and devastating heartbreak. What her blood enemy, the vengeful Lord Desio of the Minwanabi, isn't counting on is Mara 's relationship with a rakish Midkemian slave - whose secret identity becomes his mistress 's secret weapon - and Mara's own genius for strategy. Magical portals to the rim world are sundered as battle is finally joined between House Acoma and House Minwanabi. Mara can rely only on her instincts, and the plan she devises could either bring her ultimate victory - or forever tear the Empire apart.