Having successfully completed his mission, Prince Therien returns to Voltaire with Ripley, his newfound love, in tow. Tensions are mounting when he arrives home. There are skirmishes rising in the outlying borderland planets due to higher taxes on goods being traded. Though he brings good news of mission completion, it can't be celebrated due to the threat of war on the horizon. As Therien tries to reign in his brother Thaisuh, tensions between the brothers mount. King Thorin steps in and sides with Therien and grants him permission to marry Ripley, fanning the flames of war. Will Thaisuh bring war against his father and brother, or will they be able to calm him down enough to stave off all-out war?