When Sidda Sadovu overthrew the Last Pirate King another life ago, she refused to take up the title. Even tracked down and marooned the only pretender to the throne, bringing an end to an underworld organisation that loomed large in the spinward marches. But now someone has laid claim to the empty throne, rallying disreputable sorts to their banner without any consideration of restraint, seeking only plunder and chaos in their name.

Sidda was done with that part of her life, a new chapter before her. But the past has a nasty habit of rearing its ugly head. This time though she has to play by the rules.

But just exactly whose rules?