It has been half a year since Count Leo VanOrden began his long, gory climb up the ranks of Ansiri's nobility. Now, thanks to the machinations of his rival-turned-bride, he finds himself only a single, bold step away from the seat of absolute power.
But his fellow counts are not the only obstacles on his path to the Duke's throne. Far to the south, a breakaway kingdom threatens to split Leo's future domain in two.