The streets of Vesuvia are packed, everyone clamoring for the best view of the newest arrival to the city between the ostentatious parade, the lines of exotic animals marching down to the main square. A shiver of anxiety runs through Nadia as she peers through the carriage window; can she really do this?

Her resolve sharpens as her eyes pick out gaunt cheekbones, cracked sidewalks, buildings worn by the years halfway to collapse--even if she cannot, she must learn; no longer is she precious, precocious Nadi, no longer is she the baby Satrinava princess, she is Countess Nadia Satrinava of Vesuvia, and this is her city.