When the Emperor of the Immani needs a new ambassador, Princess Elwyn finds herself doing what she swore she would never do: returning to the land of her birth. An enemy dynasty is willing to make a deal, and finally there's a chance for lasting peace, if only an ambitious young noblewoman and her dangerously violent half-brother don't spoil everything. Elwyn's stepmother, Queen Rohesia, knows her son, the king, needs Elwyn's help, even if he's never forgiven her for running away. As the old guard fades into history, an elderly, alcoholic countess searches for one last chance to make a difference. Grigory Sobol and the love of his life, Sir Presley, return to the place where they first met. The up-and-coming heir to a great dukedom wants to do the right thing, but he's pretty sure he'll fail. And the cleverest sorcerer in the world, living under an assumed name, finds himself in a trap of his own devising.

They're all about to learn that you actually can go home again. But nobody said it would be easy.