The greatest value of Marla Wolfblade, Hythria's beautiful, 15-year-old princess, lies in the political marriage her brother, High Prince Lernen, can make for her and the heirs to the throne she may produce. Unfortunately for the House of Wolfblade, Lernen, interested only in perverse pleasures, cares nothing about ruling. Kagan, Lernen's personal sorcerer, actually runs things and is doing his level best to keep Lernen from being murdered and thereby opening the throne to Bernardo, who may be even stupider than Lernen is disinterested.
It is eight years since Marla Wolfblade buried her second husband. In that time, she has become the power behind Hythria's throne — as much from a desire to control her own destiny in any way she can, as to protect her son, young Damin. But while Marla plays the games of politics and diplomacy, the High Arrion of the Sorcerers' Collective is plotting to destroy her — and the entire Wolfblade line. And while Marla's power and fortune are great, they may yet not be enough to protect herself and her family from the High Arrion's wrath — and her only ally and confidant, Elezaar the Fool, is toying with the idea of betrayal.
Marla Wolfblade is reeling from the loss of her closest confidant, Elizaar the Fool, who taught her the Rules of Gaining and Wielding Power, and helped shape her into a force in Hythria. But Marla's plans for revenge are disrupted when she discovers she has a dangerous adversary.... On the border, Fardohnya has massed its troops for an invasion, and Marla's eldest son, Damin Wolfblade, heir to the throne of Hythria, finds his ability to fight back is thwarted by tradition, politics, and the foolishness of the High Prince...
