Cat Rose knows what it is to live in two worlds and in two times. Before --- as Lady Catrine Rose of the Meridian Empire, chained to a loathsome lord with a dwindling fortune. And after --- as the Widow Rose, queen of a pirate tavern in the Lyrian Sea. But tides turn and winds change. The Meridian Empire looms on the horizon, the full weight of her navy falling on the Lyrian, bent on reclaiming the wealthy colonies and crushing the pirate republic once and for all. Ship after ship is captured, save for one, captained by a pirate who continually evades both noose and blade: the legendary Valerian Kane, the only man who might rally the pirates who remain. Desperate for victory, the Empire offers Cat a devastating choice: bring them Valerian or hang.