On the cusp of becoming maidens, twin Queens Allison and Joie Wynpenny have spent the past year trapped inside their castle. The Sallow Scourge has their kingdom in its grip. Whether curse or contagion, the wisemen do not yet know. What is known is that it causes the afflicted to commit severe bodily harm, while disrupting the balance of magic throughout the realm.

Both queens decide that something drastic must be done, though each has a very different solution. Allison vows to seek out the culprit, be that witch, wizard or madman. Her sister Joie, always rebellious, would rather stir chaos. As the kingdom cracks in two, the Sallow Scourge may wind up the sole victor.