Nineteen year old Aila swore to her mother she wouldn't marry Masákh until she turns twenty-one, and she meant it. She also swore when she left Kerasím last year she would return to visit her friend Mímihn 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 Nághtas's plan to put his daughter Rimas on the throne after him. But Mímihn insists that if Aila is truly her friend, she and Masákh will get married now so Mímihn 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, Masákh undertakes a troubling task that he can't discuss. Aila must either wait on Kerasím or leave without him - if she's ever granted permission. Making matters worse, Mímihn'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 Kerasím, and only through disaster does she realize just how big the struggle is for Kerasím to ever change. Aila's grip on the tightrope of diplomacy is slipping, and so is her loyalty - but to which side?