The Lords Cassius and Valentin, uncles to the Empress of Jovan, go to the Gallican Frontier, where rumours are rife that the Governor might be a traitor.

Governor Atellus takes Cassius and Valentin on a tour of inner Gallica, which proves too tempting an opportunity for one enemy.

While Valentin recovers from his injury, Cassius tries his hand at intrigue.

The boys make an accusation, and Atellus attempts to defend himself.

Valentin and Cassius force a confrontation with Atellus and discover that they were right about some things… and very wrong about others.

Families are always complicated: royal families are doubly so.

The boys are sent to the distant kingdom of Sha-Pensei, where the best rooms in the Palace come with their own slave, and Cassius meets a boy with many secrets…

Cassius learns that there is even more to dislike about King Adder Oblaiki and his court.

A revelation, a confrontation, and a letter.

Cassius and Valentin prepare to leave Sha-Pensei. But will Adder Oblaiki let them go quietly?

A member of the party fights to survive.

Valentin and Cassius are sent to dangerous and hostile Merot to negotiate peace.

Queen Sekhmede does her best to distract Valentin from the negotiations.

Valentin confronts the Queen of Merot. It doesn’t go as planned.

The Empress makes Valentin and Cassius the Princess Adelais’ chaperons for a party. It doesn’t go well.

Cassius catches up with an old friend. Adelais goes missing.

Valentin and Cassius debate whether to notify the guard that Adelais has been kidnapped, and find a new clue to her disappearance.

Valentin finds himself somehow involved in the rescue of a stray dog.

Valentin’s new acquaintances cause some disturbance in the Empress’ quarters.

Cassius searches for Valentin in the darkness.

The search continues for Lord Valentin.

Cassius finds his brother, and the kidnapper.

The boys escort the Empress on a state visit. Cassius brings Llewellyn, hoping that he might finally be able to strike off his slave brand.

Valentin investigates Lewellyn.

The Jovanis are welcomed to Caith’il Deran, but one of the Caithese royals is acting strangely…

An old enemy of Valentin’s has been in Caith’il Deran before them.

A hunt, and an unfortunate accident.

Cassius has another chance to deal with their Caithese problem.

Adrienne fights for her life, as Cassius fights his conscience.

The festival of Peace Day celebrates the end of the civil war, but the Jovani royal family don’t seem to have much to celebrate this year.

Lord Marcellus Mereius makes a visit to the palace.

Valentin and Cassius escort the Empress’ tempestuous cousin back to Skya.

Lady Domina causes some trouble for Valentin.

Valentin comes to a decision – and faces the consequences.

Cassius makes the most of his post at Blacktower, while Valentin reluctantly returns home to face his family.

Valentin returns to Whitefields and gets reacquainted with his wife… and her lover.

Cassius has a surprise visitor at Blacktower, and the purpose of Valentin’s letter is revealed.

Valentin and Luvina make an arrangement regarding her desire for another child.

Cassius discovers several things wrong at Blacktower.

The spring rain brings danger – and death – to Whitefields.

Cassius deals with the Blacktower traitors, and chases after Llewellyn.

Cassius and Valentin end their exile and return to Monsilys.

Valentin and Cassius prepare to meet the Empress.

Cassius returns again, this time from his post at Blacktower.

Valentin and Cassius go to Ilas to prevent a war.

Valentin learns the truth, or at least part of it, from Princess Isobel.

The battle begins.

Valentin attempts to find a resolution to the stand-off between Ilas and Veribias.

Cassius, Valentin and Adrienne are all lonely, in their own ways.

Valentin and Cassius witness the execution of Ivery Malventus.

Valentin wanders the docks, looking for a fight. He finds one.

Valentin returns to the palace just in time to welcome his wife to the capital.

Valentin buys a house.

Prince Caspar of Toqueia, Princess Adelais’ betrothed, arrives in Monsilys. But it isn’t Adelais he falls in love with.

A story from Cassius’ past.

A story from Valentin’s past.

Valentin and Cassius at home in Monsilys, once upon a time.