Bragante, also known as the Firstborn, has grown elderly and weak, so shedecides to reveal the truth about her past to her granddaughter. She had apassion for books, and very early on felt the anguish of childbirth. Her elderstatus means she is responsible for educating the last-born, but she refuses toshield the child from the monstrosities that her father, the king, is known for.It is through unrelenting cunning that she might someday survive to...