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The first time they meet, Druisius (Soldier-to-be) and Eudekia (Empress-to-be) are learning alongside their fathers the jobs of trader and patron respectively, though those are not the lives they go on to live.

When Druisius is unwilling to follow through on an order from his father, the military seems to be his way out. A soldier’s life suits him, he’s a quick learner, and adapts well, quickly noticed for his abilities to get the job done with discretion. And it’s this discretion that elevates him from the fight (though he is as skilled as his peers) towards a life as an informant, knowing several languages helps him to listen in whilst pretending not to. His superiors recognise his worth and come to care for his well-being.
However, he cannot stay below the radar forever, and soon others are able to put two and two together and there comes a time when he must take a safer job as a palace guard. He also gets to revisit his birthplace and reunite with his brother, Marius, who did follow in their father’s footsteps and is now a successful trader with a family. Their renewed contact shows a different side to Druisuis, showing him a life that might have been. That he still has strong ties to his family provides some touching moments from the man whose experiences have been brutal and violent att times. It was a nice balance for his character.

Meanwhile, Eudekia, aided by her grandmother, sets her sights on a love match with a prince. Initially, though, she then attempts to withdraw from the blossoming romance, suggesting the prince’s duty is to marry well for the empire, not for love. He declines, and will take no other as his wife. Eudekia, having learnt her father’s business, is pleased when her husband includes her in hi decision-making, though such a move is not popular with all.
War, neighbouring conflicts and the scarcity of food have made life difficult for the citizens, and Eudekia shows them she stands with them by setting an example of cutting back on the luxuries of palace life. Her peers, keen to prove themselves, are encouraged to do likewise, yet again causing some rifts for the future. She more than proved herself as a strong, intelligent woman with independent thoughts which gave rise to plenty of intrigue at the palace, where political manoeuvres did not readily seek the opinions of a woman.

Their stories are told through alternating chapters where their different life experiences are laid bare and their actions scrutinised. Despite it not being a real world story, it felt very believable, giving the reader insight into what might have been a fictionalised yet true historical account. This glimpse into the world created by this author has tempted me to read the other stories in this series. I have no doubt I’ll feel just as absorbed into those stories as I was in this one.