Lakshmi has lived in the palace since the age of five. She grew up among riches and now, as a concubine, the riches are hers to enjoy. Others in the palace envy the luxuries that the emperor's favorite concubine is lavished with, but they don't know Lakshmi's secret. Her position as a concubine is a façade, and when new arrivals to the palace begin to pose possible threats, she must choose between protecting one that she loves or fulfilling her duty to guard the emperor.
This novel by J.R. McGinnity features her signature strong female lead, a woman who must do her job while keeping track of the secrets and lies that have shaped her life since the moment she was born.