Two years have passed since Hiro and Liz parted ways, and much has changed in Soleil since Six Kingdoms' ill-fated invasion. Now Liz is acting empress of the Grantzian Empire, closer to the throne than ever, yet tormented by how distant her ambitions still seem. Hiro reigns as the king in Baum, seemingly dormant but quietly pursuing his own goals. When an ongoing civil war conspires to call them both to the Republic of Steissen, swords will be drawn once more. Which will prevail: Liz's path of kingship or Hiro's path of conquest?