The volume includes the usual bonus short story (a prequel featuring Richard’s time in London) and glossy full-color illustrations of the aquamarine ring and the new character, Asaf. | Volume | Focus Gem | Primary Theme | Emotional Stakes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Vol 5 | Sapphire | Jealousy | Medium | | Vol 7 | Pearl | Deception | High | | Vol 9 | Aquamarine | Abandonment & Legacy | Very High (Personal) |

It answers the question: Can a man who appraises the past ever truly appraise his own?

Asaf reveals detailed knowledge of Richard’s past as a prince of the fictional Kingdom of Zayad (introduced in Vol 3). But more shockingly, he hints that Richard’s exile from his royal family was not merely about a stolen gemstone (the infamous "Crimson Star" ruby). It was about a death.