Thirty years ago, the Zuvgran released a virus that killed most Svesti females and rendered the remainder infertile. The Svesti initiate first contact with Earth when their scientists discover that humans and Svesti can interbreed. Humans may be able to save the warrior species that has been protecting Earth's region of space for a century. Talia has no intention of entering into a breeding or troth contract, no matter what her government promised. All she wants is to negotiate a treaty and go back to Earth to her son and sister. Vared is the commander of the space cruiser. As a warrior, he isn't sure he wants any mate. His job: deliver the human females safely to their Choosings at the King's Court.