No man has ever sat on the throne of the Second Country, until now. Elen-ai of the Family of Assassins has returned to the Palace to assist King Gidyon in securing his place on the throne. While she might know that the burden of rule is secure on Gidyon's young shoulders, many cannot abide the breach of tradition, while others see an opportunity to further their own position. With allegiances forming across the Queendom Gidyon and Elen-ai desperately seek a way to secure his position, but the peace and stability of the Second Country seem increasingly in doubt. As civil war becomes an ever more distinct outcome Elen-ai faces a battle of her own, for one cannot be both an assassin, and friend to a King.