Summary

If she fails, so will everything her family has worked for. Milai has her life planned out: continue to grow her family's prestige and income, marry her friend, and live a peaceful life in her small village. She has no interest in the changing politics of her realm.

A single slip at her presentation to society changes everything. Jozthrain is determined to see that his friends are given what they have earned, even if it means working with the young woman he accidentally embarrassed at the biggest social event of the year.

The events at the presentation have brought Milai to the attention of powerful people and the Dragons who are pacted with them. And when one of those Dragons offers Milai a pact of her own, she is forced to decide what she values most: prestige or community.