The Trial of the Elements is coming—one that will determine whether the princess becomes the Empress.
As it draws nearer, Alexandra begins to feel that events around her are unfolding at an unimaginable speed. To return alive and become a ruler, she must learn many things. The Keepers will help her master magic; the Clans will train her in unraveling intrigues; and her father will force her to choose between two evils—which, as everyone knows, is quite a menu.
And on top of that, the contenders for the princess’s personal favor are playing their own games—games that a young girl cannot yet understand. So the training continues, as do her steps across the chessboard in the game for the imperial throne.