For more generations than anyone can count, the Lionmen of Nide--an alien race of honor-bound leonine warriors--have served the galactic empire. Ki Lawwnum, Lionman and commander of the Imperial Guard, has watched the cruelty and wickedness of Emperor Ozenscebo XVII turn to madness. Ki's heart has grown increasingly weary from his duties, but he is still bound to the royal family by his sacred honor. Rebellion stirs inside the imperial palace and out among the provinces as well. Every day it grows, promising to strike at the very foundation of the empire...and threatening to endanger the life of the Princess Natanha, Ki's especial charge since the moment of her birth. Honor, duty, moral responsibility, personal belief, and a lifetime of unswerving loyalty...Ki Lawwnum, Lionman, must decide if his ultimate duty is to the emperor--or to the empire.