A KINGDOM in the haste of war, Damion Carmen was the heir to the most powerful domain on Elsha. When his grandfather died, he would inherit the title Carmen of Carmen, Regent of Elsha-king in everything but name. But ironically, this mantle was the last thing Damion had ever wanted. For he dreamed of a different kind of life-a life with the freedom to live and love like an ordinary man, without the expectations and responsibilities of his position. Yet even Damion recognized Elsha's desperate need for strong, rational leadership-leadership only he had been trained to provide. But now that his time was at hand, was Damion willing to make the personal sacrifices necessary to lead his world? Or would he turn away from his destiny and finally make his real dreams come true? For on his grandfather's deathbed Damion learns that he has a brother-an older half-brother who could finally relieve Damion of the burden of title he had never wanted.... Would Damion finally let himself be free to be the man he had always dreamed of being?