The Headquarters of the Snakes of the Empire was a black blot against the white marble of the Holy City. Akuchi would rather be anywhere but here. Bonding to Prince Cyrille was the best thing that had ever happened to him. It had taken him from this duty and he was so glad. But his old friend Kirran Pekkanen waited for help that only Akuchi could give. Though Akuchi refused to give what he demanded.