Before Ragnis Crystal and before Isolde snuck into Cendis as a slave, there were two queens trying to move towards peace behind their husband's back. Both childless, they desperately want children, despite years of trying. Fjola Astvinsson, queen of Avala is married to a madman intent on breaking the truce and destroying Cendis. Sartika, queen of Cendis, thinks her husband will eventually see reason and join the faction...