When a virus wiped out most of Earth's population 108 years ago, the survivors created a feudalism-based government. Royal families rule over makeshift kingdoms. Things run smoothly in the world until Gwen McDowell and her brother, William, are picked up by the king's guard. Gwen is forced to work as a maid while William fights in the guard they don't believe in. The structure of the kingdom slowly falls the longer Gwen and William stay. In their efforts to blend in, they uncover several life-changing secrets about the royals and even themselves. How will these secrets affect the delicate balance of power and possibly the human race?