The war between Vanris and the southern kingdoms ended before Veyl was born. As heir to the Vanrian throne, the responsibility of keeping that peace will one day fall upon her shoulders. Her more immediate concerns revolve around the Trial that will determine if she is a mind-crafter like her parents, and her coming separation from her best friend Jaysen, the crown prince of Sarket, who has been fostering with her family as a condition of Sarket’s surrender all those years ago. Veyl is counting on their friendship being strong enough to survive the stresses of time and distance. Political tension between the two countries might be another matter, but surely they can overcome that too. Once they each ascend to the throne in their own country, their friendship could be the catalyst for a new era of cooperation. When a new threat arrives from across the ocean, her friendship with Jaysen won’t be the only thing put to the test. Their lives are about to be transformed, and they will both have to search deep within themselves for the strength to survive the trials ahead. This series takes place several years after the events of the Warden's Son series and contains spoilers for that series.