A disinherited aristocrat, Halanya Th?c has been brought up in the confines of the imperial court, destined for a life of privilege and luxury. Yet Hal is happiest with a sword in her hand, and forsakes her status as ward to become a professional duellist, spending her days in training, her nights revelling, famed for her prowess in the capital's duelling arena. All of that changes when Hal falls in love with Meracad L?ac, the freedom-craving daughter...