War is coming... And Ellayne is the only one who can stop it. But can she do it? Can she really kill her own brother?

Ellayne is the rightful queen of Phildeterre. But her half-brother, Diomedes, holds the castle and the country in the grip of his dark magic. Magic more powerful than the world has ever seen.

Everyone—her trusted council and her enemies alike—all believe the only way to stop him is to end his life and take the throne by force. However, she can't imagine taking the life of the man who was once her childhood friend, her confidante, her guide through the labyrinthine royal world. But is he still the brother from her memories? Could there be another way?

Time is running out. Will her indecisiveness cause her beloved country to fracture once more? Or will she become the queen her country needs?