After 25 years of peace, the Empire of Vestalia welcomes the ascendence of young Empress Livietta and her wife Empress Parrice following the death of Empron Kai Sellaris—new ambitions and old alliances will be tested. Meanwhile the Dowager Empress Erydice has retreated to Barley Keep on the northern edge of the wilderness, where a small, eclectic court fuels whispers that even a retired spymaster can still shape the realm.