If your father is an emperor, then most of your life is already predetermined. Only fate from the gods has burst into it. Who could have known that my studies would be interrupted by strange and mysterious rituals? A breathtaking number of people and mages circle around me, but I’m used to trusting only my true friends. Where did one more girl sneak into this circle? Small, unbearable, and sharp-tongued. Each day I’m overcome by a dilemma—choke her tender little neck or kiss her. My friends don’t count; they give no useful advice.