Grace and Shade (Midrion's Rebirth) (Volume 3)

For hundreds of years, Midrion has existed as a peaceful, self-governed city-state in the large and ruthless empire of Kusleke. On the verge of another war, the Emperor decides to turn his eye inward. Once, Kaiya was a homeless, bitter child, determined that nothing in the world would come between her and revenge. Now brimming with power she isn’t sure she wants, sent on diplomatic missions to faraway countries, somehow drafted into the elite ranks of the High Lancers, she feels more overwhelmed than ever. A once-dear friend-turned-lover may not be what he has always seemed, a peaceful town may hide dark secrets, and an unexplored terrain may hold the secrets to the salvation--or condemnation--of Kaiya’s adopted country. Sometimes, all the power in the world doesn’t sound as appealing as having a nice, quiet place to rest her head.