In this sequel to THE SOPRANO SORCERESS, Anna finds herself in an odd position: her assistance in defeating the Ebran onslaught has won her the right to rule Defalk as Regent while its true leader is still a child, but Defalk is a country where women are second-class citizens. Anna must continually prove herself to her all-male council, but each use of her power makes her weaker and more vulnerable to the treachery of the royal court.