Commander Shanti has the thankless task of turning a pampered princess into a soldier. But Rega Bayla, a witch who uses her power for intimidation, has only contempt for the half-blood commoner. Finding the heiress unfit to rule, Shanti must choose between quitting the military she loves and supporting a monarchy she no longer believes in. Tensions with the future queen mount, taking them from the rustic training camp to the elegant Willovian castle and, finally, to the lawless Outer Boundaries. Bloodthirsty monks, sinister beasts, ruthless sorcerers, and former lovers plague Shanti's existence as she speaks her mind no matter how much trouble it gets her into.