Despite her years of rigorous training, seventeen-year-old Princess River doesn't seem to be the ruler her people were promised: one that can lead the armies to victory against the ancient magical race, the Spitarians. Instead, her anxieties cause her ability to rule to be constantly brought into question. With the war at a tipping point, River's mother has sent her on one final mission to ensure she is ready to fulfill the prophecy that predicts the annihilation of the Spitarian race. She must kill the dethroned prince who has leaked military secrets to the Spitarians. Ky Sparrow, the Spitarian heir, has spent his life following his father's orders while plotting a rebellion against the reign of terror on the humans. But when he is commanded to kill Princess River, Ky is determined to find a way out from under his father's dominance. When River and Ky's paths collide River must choose: her mother's war or the enemy offering peace?