On the distant planet Heriad, Her Excellency Queen Eria, Ruler of the Lands and Seas, Commander of Suns and Moons, Supreme Being of the Fourth Nebula, needs an heir. A daughter conceived in the royal manner—with the donation of sperm from two mates. Suitors from around the galaxy have assembled in pairs for her consideration. None appeal to her until she spies Tad and Brath in the rear of the council chamber. Tad’s the intellectual while Brath is a magnificent beast of a man. Little does she realize that both of them have tricks to keep her guessing.