Algherand Dracumont claimed the Earlship at the end of a sword and the edge of a plan no one saw coming. He sits at the head of the western seat, and the empire has only begun to ask what he means to do with it. Courting a princess of imperial blood who he intends to make his wife before her family finds a way to stop him. Bound to a Fae who serves him in body and magic both. Joined by a sharp-tongued noblewoman who has not decided whether she wants to ruin him or marry him. Backed by men who swore to him when he had nothing to offer but his word. He had imagined the seat would settle things.