Sjór af Hákörlum. The Old Ways say a Prince is responsible to Die Dieus . These gods give the Prince the power to rule and a connection the land. If the ruler is just, the land will prosper. If the ruler fails, the land will die. Ten years ago, Prince Johann Hallhrafn obeyed the Old Ways and sacrificed himself to appease Die Dieus . His death spared his people but divided his family. His wife died young, his daughter went to the King's court, and his young son stayed behind to rule. Now, Valentine Hallhrafn has grown into a capable and esteemed Prince. He married his only love, his sister is betrothed to a noble, the King considers him kith, and the Council of Nine respects him. But he has no heirs. Prince Valentine's duty includes maintaining a bloodline, and if he fails this duty his people will suffer. There is a contingency: His sister raised by the Royal Court. If she marries and has children, they can rule if Valentine dies childless. But ten years is a long time. Valentine does not know his sister has her own plans, and is willing to ruin lives to achieve them.