Aline's philosophy was simple: if a man could help her, advance her position in some way, then she allowed him the pleasure of calling on her. She was careful never to step beyond the bounds of what was thought decent but hinting that if she got her way in certain matters, then he would get his, although of course he never did.

However, Aline's ambitions went beyond that of money and social advancement -- what she really craved was power and influence. She had set her sights on the highest prize of all in the small Balkan country of Marisi and no one was going to stand in her way. If they could not be charmed then Aline had no qualms in dispensing with them in a less pleasant fashion.

But this time she had gone too far, and someone a person unaffected by her beauty, was going to stop her, whatever the cost.