Prince Atian Evenwood thinks the soon-to-be empress of the most powerful kingdom in the world isn't pretty enough, and says so to her face. The arranged marriage between him and Raelle de Vienne is called off and relations between the two kingdoms go from neutral to extremely sour practically overnight.
Valeniera Ardakyn, an artificer prodigy from Astotha who left her home after getting fed up with her guildmaster, begins working on a special project for Empress Raelle of Velis.
