"Navier now knows the identity of her pen pal, and is happy to find herself growing closer to Prince Heinrey. But things aren't that simple for an empress--not everyone is quite so pleased about their friendship, and the charming prince himself seems to be hiding something big...Meanwhile, Rashta's secret has been exposed, leaving her backed into a corner. With threats looming over her head and Sovieshu's eye trained on Navier, just how far is Rashta...

"Secrets and schemes are swirling around the palace ... and when people are playing with fire, someone's bound to get burned. Navier is doing her best to manage the flames, but when a magic potion leaves Grand Duke Kaufman spellbound, Sovieshu's misconceptions about her love life spiral out of control! Meanwhile, Rashta is all but fanning the inferno -- though if Duchess Tuania's admirer has his way, the mistress will soon face the consequences of...

"Delve into the past of Gurney Halleck, Leto Atreides, Lady Jessica, and Liet Kynes, and discover how the complex and brutal machinations of House Harkonnen shaped their future! What difficult choices will tear Leto apart as Baron Harkonnen plots against not just House Atreides, but the Bene Gesserit and the Emperor himself? And who watches Duke Atreides from afar? This dangerous figure holds untold significance for his future and lineage... The second...

"After putting on a successful and sensual(?) show of food tasting at the garden banquet, Maomao is the talk of the palace! But she soon discovers that notoriety isn't the only thing the party has granted her! Her collection of hairpins from the event brings the young herbalist a brief window of freedom beyond the palace walls, as she returns to the pleasure district for the first time in ten months! But while reunions with her father and her friends...

"When word of her accomplishments falls on the ears of His Imperial Majesty, Maomao finds herself tasked with a direct request from the throne. Turning down the emperor is out of the question for the former apothecary - if she wants to keep her head! But while acquiescing to the emberor is expected of all subjects, Maomao is about to discover that ladies-in-waiting have still more taxing duties to which to attend, as preparations for the garden banquet...

"The trail of the garden banquet poisoner leads Maomao to the Garnet Palace! Aiming to uncover the identity and motives of the culprit who nearly succeeded in turning the festivities into a tragedy, the young apothecary-turned-lady's maid temporarily takes up there at Jinshi's behest. Home to Lady Aduo--the consort with the longest tenure in the Emperor's affections--the Garnet Palace harbors many intrigues, some more shocking than even Maomao could...

"THE OFFICIAL PREQUEL TO THE GROUNDBREAKING DUNE CONTINUES... Leto Atreides brings news of the revolt brewing on Ix, but the city's leaders make a decision that may threaten everyone, while Crown Prince Shaddam plots to overtake it. Meanwhile, Pardot Kynes begins spreading his edenic vision to terraform the desert planet of Dune into an oasis even as the native Fremen raise suspicions about his motives...and if he can truly accomplish his goals."--Amazon.com....