Life has been anything but easy for Maryann Wilson. The only human living among Lionese shifters, her life on Earth, though miserable, had been safe. Now, light-years from home, mated to a Manruvian Merman, and on the verge of war, her life is anything but secure. Mikel Logann, High Prince and sole heir of Manruvia, had waited years to find a mate. He didn't know she'd be one of the women rescued from the Black Rose or that his Earth woman could teach stubbornness to a toddler. But now that he has her, he won't let anyone take her from him and live. - When a civil war erupts on Manruvia's shores and he must take up the Trident of Ascension, it will be with Maryann by his side. The only question remaining in his mind is at battle's end, who will still be among the living and who will not?