In thrilling, sharply funny conclusion to G. A. Aiken's feminist, rollicking romantasy Scarred Earth Saga, a hunky royal farmer and a shrewd, intriguing She-centaur form an unlikely alliance in war--and in love . . .

Lysebet of the Scarred Earth clan is aware that everyone, including her mother, believes her to be . . . less than aware. But what they see as "vapid staring into space" is really Lysebet's fascination with nature's puzzles. So many to be solved! Still, this doesn't explain why the royal she must escort into the territories of the Dragon Queen keeps smiling at her. Having to babysit royals is so insulting--especially this goofy farmer prince, though admittedly, he's built like one of the massive bulls he happily herds around the human queen's lands. Fortunately, if necessary, Lysebet can fight anyone. She enjoys a good weapon as much as any other battle-centaur . . .

Duncan Farmerson loves his life! This, despite that his family has been at war with their evil sister, Beatrix, for nearly a decade. To sustain their army, Duncan works to keep the farming industry thriving. But he's also skilled with weapons, and extraordinarily strong. Now, his family needs him to infiltrate the horrifying territories of the Dragon Queen, where his other sister, Isadora, is captive--though he knows she went there willingly. Thankfully, there is one bright spot . . .

Duncan loves watching Lysebet the Centaur's silent staring! In fact, he loves Lysebet! Gods, he hopes this slightly off-putting, perfect-for-him She-centaur loves no one else. He'll just need to keep them both alive as they fight Beatrix's ruthless army. But after their victory they can be together forever! Raising a herd of their own! Of course, he won't tell her all that yet . . .