In the second novel, Mara battles the Minwanabi again. Though Servant of the Empire continues to chronicle Mara's rise to power, it also takes a deeper look at Tsurani society. There is a more revolutionary approach to the story. Though Mara challenged her society's norms in Daughter of the Empire, she is still a product of her culture and doesn't question many of her beliefs and actions. In Servant of the Empire, those beliefs are shaken by Kevin of Zun, a Midkemian slave she buys. He becomes her lover and acts as a catalyst for Mara's growth. Just as Mara learns that she is pregnant with Kevin's child, the Emperor orders all Midkemian slaves to return to their home world. Mara gives birth to her second child, Justin, after Kevin has left Kelewan. She learns to not only be a great Lady of the Empire, but starts to take part in her nation's politics.