Fate conspired to keep Iol and Pelra apart. Friendship is allowed between members of competing trading houses, but nothing more. He loves the sea and wants his own ship. She hates the deep blue and has worked too hard to allow her dreams to be sidetracked. Despite a beautiful woman on his arm every night, Leod wanted the one he couldn't have-Pelra. His kin on the ruling council did more than put him on the fast track to his own ship. It provided him the power to fulfill his desires and to ruin those who refused him. Exiled to distant posts, given impossible challenges, and subject to Leod's machinations, Iol and Pelra only have the hope of a future together to sustain them. But can their love survive the accusation of witchcraft?