On his deathbed, Elissa"s young husband names her as regent, the one to protect the kingdom of Albor until their five-year-old son comes of age. The dying king might truly have wanted Elissa to act as regent, or he might have named her only to unite the Privy Council in support of the more likely candidate for the position, the marshal Geoffrey. Because women in Albor normally have no power, Elissa must prove herself constantly to protect her son and daughter. With the help of Geoffrey, her only ally in the court, and her uncle, who is her advisor in the realm of sorcery that she must learn secretly, Elissa attempts to rule the kingdom. Using both her sword fighting skills and her magical powers, she successfully thwarts different plots and conspiracies from inside and outside Albor as she puts aside the feelings she has for the married Geoffrey.