All is not well in the royal court. King Francis' health is failing. While the three councilman wait to see whether he will recover or die, rumors develop in the palace. The woman behind the princess' veil might not be the true heir. Councilman Simon seeks the truth. Councilman Henry seeks to place the princess on the throne - by whatever means necessary. Councilman Herbert only wishes to keep the kingdom of Upper Tsubasa from falling apart no matter what changes occur. Away from the palace the rest of the Tsubasans are also just trying to survive. If the princess has been replaced by another, where did she go? And if so, can she survive long enough to return before her father's death?