Prudence has spent the last three years abandoned by her husband, selling off anything of value and getting advice from an undead goat.

The joys of life, really.

But even this is about to come crashing down now that Roland has returned. He's fixing up Balloc Manor and, even more worrying, being kind about it. She'd rather he went back to wherever he came from, but when Roland claims that both their lives are in danger, they must work together or risk it all.

It won't be easy. She has a dozen questions, but wonders if even one of his answers can be believed. Can she trust him? Will he tell her the full story? And what in the hell is that awful ticking noise that seems to surround him? If she doesn't find out soon, it could be the end of all of them.

Vodou princess Fanchon Marie, is determined to maintain her independence. That's not exactly going to happen. Two of the most powerful magical families, hers included, have demanded she marry Luca, prince of the Roma, in hopes of creating a new dynasty.

And that's just the frigging start to her awesome day.

Turns out the leader of the Morlena clan needs to prevent this wedding to maintain his stronghold over the region. He's determined - determined enough to both murder and raise the dead to do it.

While Fanchon Marie would rather be dead than marry Luca 'The World Revolves Around Me' Dobrogea, it might be a step up from the drooling undead fate the Morlena have planned for her. Maybe.