Master storyteller Sharon Shinn created the thrilling and enchanting world of Welce in her acclaimed novel Troubled Waters. Return with her to that elemental universe in this tale of secrecy, romance, and a battle for power; Josetta is a princess of one of the Five Families. But she is far from the throne, so she is free to spend her days working in the poorest sections of the city. Rafe Adova, an outcast since he was born, lives the life of a career gambler in those slums. He has no ambition other than cheating at the card tables-until the night he decides to help a girl named Corene, who looks like shes stumbled into the wrong bar. She, too, is a princess-sister to Josetta, who finds her with Rafe. He fascinates her. Josetta has never encountered anyone like him-someone seemingly devoid of elemental blessings. He is drawn to her, though he thinks they are unlikely to ever meet again-but their connection grows strong when she nurses him back to health after he is assaulted by foreign mercenaries. And when they learn the reason hes being hunted, they know that the truth about his history could endanger not only their love but also their very lives.-- Princess Corene of the Five Families of Welce, and her sister Josetta, become fascinated by a slum-dwelling outcast, after he helps one of the sisters escape from being in the wrong place at the wrong time in this new novel from the author of Troubled Waters. 35,000 first printing. Princess Corene of the Five Families of Welce, and her sister Josetta, become fascinated by a slum-dwelling outcast, after he helps one of the sisters escape from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
