Book 5 in the Pleasure Partners series. Crown Prince Arik needs a consort to breed his sons but is afraid no woman will have him voluntarily once she sees his scars. He will meet his bride for the first time at their public mating, with Arik covered from head to toe in black leather-except for the bare essentials. Emerald is alarmed yet highly aroused as the palace eunuchs fondle and stimulate her in preparation for Arik's mating. But afterward, he pulls from her body, escorts her to his tower and leaves her alone. Emerald once saw her prince from a distance and admired his beautiful form. Confused by Arik's behavior, she insists she has the right to see her mate and he reluctantly accedes to her demand. Arik is afraid for the first time in his life and filled with regret that he refused the help of the cyborg maker. Their future rests on this fateful revelation. Reader Advisory: This book contains erotic, multi-partner sex scenes and graphic male/male sexual interaction