After a violent explosion Mette finds a young boy in the rubble of the palace pavilion. Together with some of her friends, they flee to safety. But, just as they're settling in, Mette is told to return the boy to whatever family he may have left. She and the boy then begin a long journey to find his father. They're pursued by people who think the boy is the emperor's youngest son. Mette has no way of knowing who wants to help them reach Astera and who wishes to harm the boy.