Collateral Damage

Nineteen year old Aila swore to her mother she wouldn't marry Mas kh until she turns twenty-one, and she meant it. She also swore when she left Keras m last year she would return to visit her friend M mihn for the New Year celebration, and no matter what her mother says, Aila means to do it. She believes whole-heartedly in the Kerasi, and in Emperor N ghtas's plan to put his daughter Rimas on the throne after him. But M mihn insists that if Aila is truly her friend, she and Mas kh will get married now so M mihn can be there, and Aila fears the pressures could destroy the fragile peace treaties between their worlds if she says no. Just when Aila must return to the Union, Mas kh undertakes a troubling task that he can't discuss. Aila must either wait on Keras m or leave without him - if she's ever granted permission. Making matters worse, M mihn's past is threatening to harm her, if her fear doesn't kill her first. Aila is pulled into the web of deceit and treachery undermining Keras m, and only through disaster does she realize just how big the struggle is for Keras m to ever change. Aila's grip on the tightrope of diplomacy is slipping, and so is her loyalty - but to which side?