With the death of Black Michael of Strelsau and the restoration of King Rudolf to the throne, the troubles of Ruritania may seem to be at an end. But lasting peace cannot be secure when the notorious Rupert of Hentzau is still at large. Until now he has dared not set foot in the kingdom, but the incentives to return are impossible for Hentzau to resist - Ruritania remains under threat from this devious enemy. And trouble of a different kind exists in the hearts of Princess Flavia, now Queen; her husband, the tortured King; and the man she truly loves, Rudolph Rassendyll.