It was regrettable, that Kanika of Kerala would have experienced such bad luck, despite being a prized bride. First, the Nizam of Bengal had died, leaving her a wealthy widow, and now-now it seemed that the British East India Company was going to interfere with her next marriage, to one of the powerful Hongs of Canton. The Company was concerned, it seemed, about her motive for these alliances, and the potential effect she might have on their lucrative opium trade. As for Kanika, she was also concerned-only she was concerned about the British Commander's effect on her plans. The more she reminded herself that they were impossibly at odds, the more she was drawn to him. It was a shame, that he was fated to be unlucky, too.