Strike the Zither

In the year 414 of the Xin Dynasty, the empire has split into three warring territories. Each is run by a warlordess who swears loyalty to a puppet empress. Zephyr, orphaned young and toughened by the loss, has become one of the most feared strategists of her age.

She serves Xin Ren, a warlordess whose sense of honor Zephyr respects and dreads in equal measure. In a war that pays betrayal better than loyalty, that honor may get both of them killed.

Zephyr is sent into a rival camp to infiltrate it, hoping to spare Ren's people from slaughter. There she meets Crow, a strategist on the opposing side whose mind keeps pace with hers. Their contest of wits adds another layer to a conflict crowded with court intrigue, shifting alliances and choices with no good answer.

The book is a war story built around strategy, with two sharp minds testing each other while loyalty and ambition pull in opposite directions. It opens the Kingdom of Three duology.