The story takes place in the capital of the Kingdom of Veriel. The Duchy of Ravenwood is the kingdom’s oldest and most powerful noble house, controlling the military, the treasury, and the laws of succession. While outwardly elegant and respectable, it is in reality ruthless and strictly hierarchical—all marriages, inheritances, and reputations are bound by the constraints of the Ducal Council and ancient laws. The Earl of Emberlyn has guarded the royal relics for generations and is responsible for casting and restoring the “True Trial Crests” of noble houses throughout the ages. Many years ago, the true heir to the Emberlyn title disappeared, and the adopted daughter, Serena, was groomed to be the perfect nominal heir, becoming the darling of high society.
