Book excerpt: The time has come for the towering, fearsome General Pujol to tie the knot. The wedding ceremony is set to take place far from the capital, and circumstance demands that Queen Aura stay close to the throne. That means Zenjiro has to go in her place, which comes with its own problems. Tradition requires he take a woman with him as his escort; whoever is chosen will be considered a candidate to become his concubine. Unexpectedly, Princess Freya declares her interest in the role. Is this foreign princess trying to ensnare Zenjiro in a second marriage?