Derick has not felt truly safe since his brother Cael attempted to take the throne, killing their father and attempting to kill Derick, before being defeated and escaping. Now Cael has returned with the support of some of the nobility, determined to take the throne once and for all. Launching a surprise attack with the aid of his nobles, he takes the capital and quickly proceeds to take over much of the rest of the country before Derick can regroup. As civil war begins between the brothers, the rebels, led by Royce, see their opportunity, taking over land in the north. Finding himself at war with both his brother and the rebels, Derick is mostly powerless to do anything to help his country. Meanwhile, Royce is preparing, hoping that, after Derick's inevitable defeat, the rebels will be strong enough to withstand the full force of Cael's fury and defeat him. Three men--Derick de'Liraan, Royce de'Blanc, and Cael de'Liraan--are fighting for control of Mercagea. Who will win and become the victor?