The kerfuffle around Carmine's betrothal to Rosaria settles just as the Empire's semicentennial Founding Day looms on the horizon. When the young emperor steps out of the palace's confines to look into the eyes of his people, will he discover hatred or hope?Young Carmine is now six years old, and while he's made it alone thus far, he will need allies before long. His best options might be a sinister spymaster and an attendant who'd sooner stab him than shake his hand, but beggars-be they emperors or paupers-can't be choosers.