Summary

The Prologue is a look back in time. Jude and her twin sister, Taryn, were training with their adoptive father, Madoc. He pushed them to defend a hill against his attack, saying it would teach them both about fighting and strategy. Jude and Taryn came up with a plan, but Madoc easily fought his way past their defenses. He uses the moment to teach them that it is easier to take something than to hold it.

In Chapter 1, Cardan is the High King of Faerie. He lounges on his throne while Jude, his seneschal, stands at his side. Everyone believes Jude is Cardan's advisor, but she is actually running the kingdom. Cardan's brother, Balekin, is in prison at the Tower of Forgetting. Jude's spies have intercepted a message from him. Cardan has been king five months, and Jude barely sleeps as she...