Synopsis: From the back cover of the DAW first edition: "The price of power - The DeMarians, the royal line of Branion, have been blessed, or cursed, with the power of the Flame, a magic which - if wielded properly - none can stand against. But called upon by one untrained or not strong enough to control it, and the Flame is as likely to destroy it human vessel as whatever foe it has been unleashed against. Yet even the Flame is less dangerous than Her Most Regal and Sacred Majesty Melesandra the third, Aristok of Branion, an unyielding and terrifying ruler. And no one understands this better than Crown Prince Demnor, who is convinced he is his mother's most treasured victim. Often at odds with Melesandra, Demnor knows he will receive no support from her when faced with the prospect of an unwanted, politically motivated marriage. But all his personal conflicts must be thrust aside when the realm of Branion is drawn into a far greater struggle as the eternally rebellious Heathland plots a bold new campaign of war. Now only time will tell whether Demnor can survive the traitors within the Court and the ever-growing rebel forces - even as he strives to master the power which is his birthright but which may well prove his doom..."