The king has come of age, and the long regency is finally at an end. Before his coronation, he has called the young nobles to accompany him on a royal tour around the kingdom. For Thalion et-Alim, second son of Ninaeva, the trip is more dangerous than exciting. For the king wants to increase his control of the north, and Ninaeva's many scandals may give him ample excuse. There is no avoiding the trip, however, nor avoiding the company of Lady Serana, who may be the king's chosen bride but has secrets of her own...