Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis, is the book's main character. Almost equally important is Irene, the Queen of Attolia. In the course of the story, the two go through a complex dance of hate and love, intrigue and longing that carries out the book's major themes.

At first glance, there seems no reason the two would have much to do with each other. Eugenides is a cousin of Eddis's queen.

The office he holds has been in his family for generations. His proudest boast is that he can steal anything. This is close enough to the truth that his very presence makes many people uneasy. It is also a trait that makes him useful to his own queen, who values him both as a friend and a somewhat disreputable member of her court.

So what is he doing hiding in Attolia's palace as the...