Not everyone is pleased by Yelena's acceptance of the role of food taster, especially not General Brazell, whose son was killed by Yelena, despite it being in self-defense.
In the end, she and Valek discover that General Brazell and a rogue magician from Sitia are behind the plot, as well as the kidnapping of many children from Sitia, including Yelena, for their magical abilities.