After two years in exile, Edwin and Elwyn Sigor are returning to Myrcia as part of an uneasy alliance with an old enemy. Edwin's mother, the captive Queen Rohesia, has been doing what she can to support her son's claim to the throne in his absence. As all three attempt to gather allies to overthrow the Gramiren usurper, none of them know just who they can trust. Will they be able to assemble a force to challenge the Gramiren armies, or will enemy agents stop their attempts before the fight can even begin?

Is a queen still a queen without a court? Is a princess still a princess without her prince? Is a king still a king if no one knows who he is?