Somewhere deep in the expanse of space, an undesired destiny falls on one who deems herself unworthy. In her early life, she lived in a civilization built on strength, blood, war, and honor. Groomed from birth, she trains as a warrior to fulfill the relentless demands of a cold, unyielding mother, an empress who barely acknowledges her. Now many years later, the burden of rule falls on her. Adding to all she must endure is a revealed truth, a revelation that will change her life, her people's, and the balance of power in the galaxy--she alone must decide.