When Debesh and his dragon, Vandranen, are condemned to death by the Dragon Court, Dorelle is compelled to take both of them to safety. Crown Prince Orlen is left behind to deal with the treachery and intrigue brewing in the Dragon Court. Dragon Master Pesuma, head of the Dragon Court, is on her own personal quest to undermine Prince Orlen's status as heir. With the law on her side, the Prince faces a brutal choice: Give up his birthright, or forfeit the life of his dragon, Norak.