Prince Roger MacClintock was heir to the galaxy's Throne of Man and a spoiled young brat—that is, until he and his Royal Marines were stranded on the barbarian planet Marduk. So far, they've traversed a continent, taken over an enemy spaceport, and hijacked a starship. But they're not home free yet—because home is no longer free.

Traitors have murdered Prince Roger's brother and sister. His mother, the empress, is still alive, but in the hands of Roger's own biological father, who controls her through drugs and torture. A new heir to the throne has been conceived, and once he is born, Roger's mother will no longer be necessary to the traitors' plans. Prince Roger must somehow retake the empire before his new brother is born and his mother dies. It's an impossible task—but Prince Roger knows all about impossible tasks.