Book 2 of the Highlord of Darkness series. The three-year occupation by the Triden Empire has ended, and Orgon’s latest Incarnation of Evil is free to rule as he sees fit. The Highlord of Darkness should be happy.

But Narragan has traded a sadistic military governor for a smooth-talking political emissary and a telepathic spy, the Emperor insists he produce an heir, Orgon’s Council of Lords is plotting behind his back, and the woman he loves has returned after a five-year absence, decked out in Triden leathers and pregnant courtesy a husband who’s in hot pursuit. The Period of Punishment may be over, but the Third Reign of the Highlord of Darkness is off to a rocky start. This is no way to found a dynasty.