Dara Ruminor uses her new position like a castle guard for the King of Vertigon very seriously. She won’t allow her emotions for Siv to block the way of atoning for her parents’ actions, no matter how hard it really is to maintain her length. But she’s keeping secrets from her king-and the one concerning a fiery newfound capability is getting harder to hide.

When Sivarrion Amintelle ascends the throne of Vertigon, he’s condemned towards the drudgery of council meetings, strategic marriages, and the maneuverings of ambitious noblemen. There aren’t nearly enough razor-sharp, pointy objects involved, and a certain swordswoman still makes him wish to sneak away from his responsibilities at every opportunity.

However the Peace of Vertigon has ended, and unknown foes conspire to end Siv’s reign before it truly begins. As their opponents’ plots develop more difficult, Dara and Siv must enlist help from an unlikely supply. But if her secrets get out, Dara could have even bigger complications. And Siv might determine not to trust her after all.