Synopsis: From the back cover of the Ace first edition: As an imperial guard, Arden Grenfell was one of the elite. She pledged to defend the royal house of Glory - and her personal charge, Princess Jessa - to the death. But, when the princess forsakes her birthright, Arden fails in her duty, and falls into disgrace. Years later, the princesses mother is dying, and she will do anything to see her runaway daughter once again - even offer Arden a full pardon to bring Jessa back. Now Arden has one last chance to restore honor to her name. But finding Jessa is only the first step - for not everyone wants the princess back...