The Quantum Rose: Book 6 Skolian Empire by Catherine Asaro

This novel had a different feel to it than the other novels in this series. It focused on a little known older brother of Soz and Kelric-Havryl. Havryl is one of the 10 children of Eldrinson and Roca who never plans to leave Lyshriol and seems happy with the quiet life on his world. Havyrl married young, to his childhood sweetheart when they were both still children and has managed successfully for most of his life to stay out of the politics that rule the lives of his family. That is until his relatives are imprisoned by the Allieds on his home world of Lyshriol after the death of Soz and Jaibriol II. After the death if his father he escapes in what is supposed to be his fathers death pod into space to be picked up by what is left of the Skolian government. He ends up spending 30 days alone in space in a coffin and has taken to drinking to combat the memories. The Skolians have taken him to a quiet backwater planet to rest and recover. One day while hunting in the woods he sees Kamoj Quanta Argali bathing naked in a pool. He decides to offer to marry her. Her planet appears to be the remains of a Eubian experiment on genetic engineering the perfect slave. The majority of the culture matures quickly, is unable to read or write, lives shorter lives and is very inclined to obey and negotiate. When someone makes an offer, you match it if you can, if not you are forced to accept the terms of the highest bidder. Kamoj is bethrothed to Jax Ironbridge-a local bully-whom she does not particularly care for, but in a match that would benefit her people. Her role seems to be similar to a land baron and a hereditary position as well. She owns the land, the people work for “her” but she is ultimately responsible for them. Havyrl is a mysterious man who appears one day-from far away (she has no concept of other worlds) and rents from her the ancient castle of her ancestors. She is reluctant to part with it but he makes an offer she can not refuse. After viewing her bathing naked he makes another offer she can not refuse in his offer of marriage. She is reluctant to marry him. While she is relieved to get out of the marriage to Jax, she knows the marriage to Jax would have benefited her people and while Havyrl is wealthy, he is not a leader on her planet. Jax Ironbridge is also reluctant to lose Kamoj, much more reluctant than either Kamoj or Havyrl realize.
This novel deals with many issues. On one hand it is about the complex relationship between an abuser and the abused. On another hand it is about finding you are not alone in the universe and what your culture is really about. It is also about Havyrl finding peace in his place as a member of an important political family. I liked it, a lot. I especially liked the scenes on Lshyriol with the whole clan-it was interesting to really have a chance to read about Soz and Kelrics siblings and their lives.