After Southern Xu fell, sixteen-year-old Princess Xihe fled through a land at war with the young heir to the throne, only to be delivered into a Northern Qian military camp.
An enemy general fell in love with her, believing her to be an ordinary girl, while she watched those dearest to her die before her eyes.
Hatred for a fallen nation and vengeance for her family drove her onto a road paved with thorns.
Years later, she became empress of Northern Qian and laid her plans one careful step at a time amid court intrigue and bloodshed.
Even when she had been wounded beyond bearing, someone still broke through every obstacle to reach her – but she would have to choose between her own love and hatred, and the lives of all beneath heaven.