From jewelry thief to interloper to queen-in-waiting, Romeria flees Cirilea a traitor to all. But the yawning distance between her and Zander troubles her more than any king's bounty on her head. While Zander may have escaped by her side, he seeks to regain his throne, and no immortal will ever welcome her as Islor's queen. She fears it won't be long before Zander abandons her as everyone else she's ever loved has.

Zander sacrificed his crown to save Romeria's life, yet he dreads what her existence means for the future of his realm. As Ybaris's plan to destroy Islor unfurls, a more insidious threat, orchestrated by rival fates, lurks beneath the surface. He can offer his allies no honest explanation for why he protects the Ybarisan princess and takes counsel from Queen Neilina's caster, leading those closest to doubt his wisdom-and his allegiance.

As their company aims for the Venhorn Mountains, steered by prophecy, Romeria is desperate to wield her newfound abilities to undo Princess Romeria's treachery before the kingdom tears itself apart. But with the mortal rebellion swelling, bolstered by the gift of Ybaris's poison, it may already be too late.