Theran is a descendant of Jared and Lia, the last Gray Lady to rule Dena Nehele. Living in the mountains, he wants to restore his land and people. But without a strong Queen who remembers the Old Ways, the Blood will never shake off the lingering influence of Dorothea SaDiablo, the infamous High Priestess of Hayll, and the young Dena Nehele Queens will have no one to teach them.

There are no Queens in Terreille who can give Dena Nehele what it needs. But Theran has a marker he can call in, thanks to his ancestor Jared. He goes to Kaeleer to ask for a Queen who is willing to come to Terreille and rule Dena Nehele. What he expects is a young, pretty, dark-Jeweled Queen with social flair, who will dazzle the Blood with her vivacity and power.

What he gets is Cassidy, a shy, plain-looking, Rose-Jeweled Queen from Dharo who has lost her court to stronger, more vivacious Queens. Will Theran be able to see beyond his disappointed expectations and help this Queen save his people?

What happens when you get a Queen who lacks the desired veneer but has the heart - and the courage - to rule?