The winds of change are whipping through Sauslind. Malduran officials are headed for the capital to discuss diplomacy, and although it was Eli's actions that spurred these talks, she has a different errand to attend to. The king's younger brother, Bernard, has fallen ill. Since it's customary for someone from the royal family to visit in such times, Eli is sent in the prince's stead. Along the way, devastating secrets are unearthed that threaten to rock the very foundation upon which Eli stands. Is everything she thought she knew a lie? Or does the truth even matter when the worst comes to pass and Sauslind finds itself on the brink of disaster?