Book excerpt: Despite Queen Katherina's valiant efforts in leading her people to liberation during a tumultuous war, she had never truly experienced genuine happiness. However, her encounter with an Xerian warrior, Tate Kidman, proved to be a turning point, as it brought her a profound sense of fulfillment when she offered to help him bring back his lover from the Nera Ocean. In addition, her clandestine affair further solidified her enduring legacy as the illustrious Queen of Cards on McKenzie Island.