 In the spring after the events of "Trickster's Choice", the Balitang family returns to Rajmuat, where Duke Mequen's aunt, Lady Nuritin, awaits their return.Lord Elsren is now heir to the throne, and the outer isles are beginning to revolt.Aly has trained a group of spies—her "pack"—who report to her, calling her "Duani", or "boss lady".