In the land of the Twelve Islands, the art of theater is highly respected and the ocean of sea monsters is fearfully avoided, though many citizens always dream of exploring beyond the horizon. One day, when the beloved king dies and leaves no heir to rule the Twelve Islands, his advisors decide to hold a theater contest, and whoever writes the most favored theater story will be crowned the ruler of the Twelve Islands. The contest is delightful, but the results are unpleasantly surprising to the advisors as well as the citizens. And one person refuses to stay silent.
Adelaide Colfield was chosen when she was eleven to become the bride of a member of the royal court. For ten years, she was held hostage in the middle of the forest, unable to see anyone from her past. She was schooled on how to be the best wife she could be and prepared for the day when she would be displayed in front of the royal court to be chosen by her future husband.
What she never expected was to be chosen by the prince himself. Now, she's thrust into a world that no schooling or preparation could have prepared her for. A world that she never wanted to be a part of. A world that includes a prince who has no desire to end the Bycgan or to change the cruel ways of the royals.
Now, Adelaide is in a position to better the country. Will she be able to change the prince or will she face the consequences of breaking the customs and the law?