Political intrigue, culture clash and romance make a stirring mix in this award-winning follow-up novel to the acclaimed Shards of Honor.

In the wake of interplanetary war, former commander Cordelia Naismith has deserted her own planet to marry the first choice from the defeated enemy, Aral Vorkosigan. On his house world of Barrayar, two rival factions are eyeing the recently vacated throne, and Aral, lately appointed regent of Barrayar from the emperor on his deathbed, must stand between them. As Lord and Female Vorkosigan, Aral and Cordelia struggle to establish stability inside a fragile government thrown into confusion by the changeover of power as well as the threat of civil battle. Whenever a palace coup endangers the federal government, their lives, and her unborn kid, Cordelia takes action to secure the protection of her new family and brand-new home.