While Marla's power and fortune are great, they may not be enough to protect herself and her family from the High Arrion wrath, and her only ally, Elezaar the Fool, is toying with the idea of betrayal. He has discovered that the infamous Rules of Gaining and Wielding Power are not so useful when his own family is involved. It's been eight long years since Marla Wolfblade buried her husband and claimed royal power - and its responsibilities - for herself. Now she must teach her son, Damin, the skills he needs to survive as warring factions at Court manoeuvre for power, and ultimately for the throne itself. Damin proves an apt pupil as his mother's advisor teaches him the Rules of Gaining and Wielding Power. However, as he nears the age when he will take the throne, his position becomes increasingly dangerous. The head of the Sorcerers' Collective, a powerful and influential faction, decides to either turn the young ruler into a puppet or tear the throne away from him. Damin must decide whom it is safe to trust - and how to claim his birthright.