A novel of bad decisions. After the traumatic events at the end of 'Goodnight Sweet Prince' Emma leaves her son behind to return home to Earth - a decision resulting in a disastrous marriage and her eventual incarceration. Meanwhile, Horatio makes the decision to live in his homeland, Saravaal, and takes their son, Cymon with him - a decision which will involve them both in Saravaal's war with the Kingdom of Cheam. As the years pass and Emma makes her plans to return to Elsynvaal, Cymon grows up to make his own bad decision, creating the most dangerous situation the Mages of Elsynvaal have yet faced...