Lovers Deborah Jacovy and Wilhelm Gavrick serve the galactic Kingdom of Falaeria. As Lord of the High Command in the Sentinels of Ygg, Gavrick leads dedicated soldiers who live only to protect the Seven Worlds and surrounding out-planets. Descended from a long oppressed matriarchy of magical Selene princesses, Jacovy can only entertain as Court Circus dancer. She longs to join the Yggs and marry Lord Gavrick. Indeed, Gavrick has trained her, honing her considerable skill as combat pilot, but in Falaeria, females cannot serve as Sentinels and Sentinels rarely marry. Enter the Hashim, Karlon of Xapetus, mighty autocrat from realms unknown, who swiftly wrests control of Falaeria from its corrupt king and implements a new Order of "peace, purpose and productivity" for all. Falaerian status quo evaporates. Gavrick chooses allegiance to the new and noble liege and his Yggs follow. Karlon immediately commissions Jacovy as Sentinel. All her dreams now seem attainable. While service-as-usual continues for Gavrick, Jacovy remains at home under Karlon's constant scrutiny. Gavrick grows uneasy, Jacovy confused. Is the Hashim truly noble or will his buried past erupt to crumble the new Falaeria and destroy everything Jacovy loves, including Lord Gavrick?