The mortal world warms. The weather changes, wracked by storms. Things change in Faerie, too, where an ambitious young courtier breaks away from the Summer Court and declares himself the Storm Prince. From her glittering throne of ice, the Winter Queen watches, gauging the young Prince's strength. Wondering if it is time for the balance of power in Faerie to shift.

An invitation has arrived. The Storm Prince and four guests are invited to attend a masquerade hosted by the Winter Queen and four of her most notable courtiers. Games will be played, duels will be fought, and at the end of it, the two courts will find their way to either an alliance or a declaration of war. But in the shadow of the greater politics, individual scores will be settled, painful and joyful reunions will be had, and hard choices will be made.