The Yunuen Dynasty has ruled Shun Kai for over a millennium. Himsa is the twelfth daughter of the Empress, but the court is hers to rule from the shadows, until her sister returns, and attempts to seize control. Mi-yun has promised his life to Himsa - as her only friend, he swore to protect her from the brutal enemies found in the royal courts. However, an ancient secret threatens to overthrow all he has ever known. Rinne is lost - she arrived at the courts one day, with no title, no memory, no money, only a small porcelain doll, and a name: Clairdelune. An ancient secret lurks beneath the palace gardens, and slowly begins to awaken, amidst the cruel politics of the royal court. Even the dead will play games.