Collaterals

The Tainish Empire is the largest Empire in the world. Ruling over 43 colonies, it includes 5 of the world's most influential kingdoms and bears hostage their second-born children.
Leila has only been home just once, and that was seven years ago. Perhaps it would have been better if she had never known her true home. Each night since has been one spent in hankering, a longing for that which she cannot truly have. She was raised a soldier of the Tainish Empire, collateral for her family's compliance, and soldiers did not have wishes.
With an invitation home for her brother's naming as heir, though, Leila must navigate what it means to be the hand of an Empire within the walls of her blood-bound family.