One bachelor is love-shy. One is unrequited. One is much-loved. One is blindsided. Argent Mettlebright knows how to keep a secret safe, but it's only a matter of time before someone notices that Hisoka Twineshaft has disappeared from the political arena. With tensions on the rise, the world needs his leadership more than ever. Nobody wants to help Sensei more than Isla Ward, but his door is barred against her. Right, then. She has a plan, and she has a co-writer. Maybe with their next book, her hopes will finally reach her mentor. With spring's arrival, Stately House's enclave stands ready to welcome a Scattering. The estate has never been more secure, but Tsumiko wouldn't call the resulting sanctuary peaceful. Too many battered souls. Too many wistful glances. But with the help of a dragon bard's lullabies and an impish crosser's confidence, she leads her ever-growing family. Seeds to plant. Imps to hatch. Winds to change. Rogues to lure. Hearts to win. Vows to keep. Lives to share.