The stunning imagination of bestselling author Anne McCaffrey once again delights fans with her wondrous tale of a young prince's tumultuous coming-of-age -- and the remarkable four-legged friend who stands steadfastly by him in a time of danger and intrigue Mangan Tighe had been the perfect regent. Having sufficiently provided for the future peace and prosperity of Esphania and for the smooth ascension to the throne of his young prince, Jamas, the wizened old Mangan had quietly passed away -- with a grin upon his face. For the very clever Mangan had left behind an extraordinary guardian to help Jamas bear the new and heavy burden of leadership: Niffy the cat. Niffy, no ordinary feline, will accompany Prince Jamas everywhere, perusing every document and decree, and -- in her own peculiar way -- offering guidance. And it is guidance that the prince desperately needs. The realms and kingdoms that now include Jamas's Esphania are a belligerent and unruly lot, constantly jostling and fighting for local mastery. The worst of them is ruled by a greedy king and his treacherous queen, who scheme to annex Esphania and crush its royal household. As young Jamas falls hopelessly in love, compounding the court conspiracy that surrounds him, the sharp-eyed, nimble Niffy may be the only one capable of preventing total disaster--and her noble master's untimely demise