by Thomas Wrightson (Author) Vengeance is a dish best served cold. On the far side of the galaxy, in the distant future, is the Cluster-a collection of stars and worlds where life flourishes. Humans, refugees from their lost Ancient Earth, coexist with other peoples like the tribal Feles, the elite Kavki, and the distant Ekri. A human woman arrives on a remote asteroid prison. Unlike the other convicts, she is fascinating, defiant, and unbowed, earning the respect and hatred of guards and prisoners alike. Her name, hidden from all, is Mercedes Solari, Duchess of the planet New Dubai. Forced from her throne and banished for life, the galaxy now thinks her dead.