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 she's 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 he's being hunted, they know that the truth about his history
could endanger not only their love but also their very lives...