Thericia, Princess of the planet Alscras, was only sixteen. She was not involved in the world of interstellar politics, as her older brother, the Crown Prince, was. She was like a younger version of her mother, staying home day after day, finding ways to make herself useful with state dinners, riding exhibitions, and other public relations opportunities. Was she prepared to leave the comfort of her circle of attendants and their trivial pursuits to join the Prince of the Gearmlian confederation in his dealings with the sinister Lady Ludzenia? The Emperor-her father-would never approve of this course of action. If he knew. Her riding haissen, Torrence, stood at attention, awaiting whatever direction she decided to follow. Did she truly belong in her parlor, or did she belong in a bigger world? One thing she knew. "If I don't help the Prince," she said to Torrence, "Lady Ludzenia will become the leader of the confederation. That would mean trouble for my father, and for the empire." She looked out the door, this time at the larger world outside, and with slow steps, led Torrence out of the stable. "Let's go."