Each year the twin capitals of San-Er fill with hopefuls as Talin's palace stages games in which body-jumpers fight to the death for unimaginable riches.
Princess Calla Tuoleimi remains in hiding, five years after the massacre that killed her parents and emptied the palace of Er—a killing she committed herself.
She intends to bring down the monarchy before King Kasa's forces in San can seize her, and winning would put her before the reclusive uncle who always greets the victor.
Exiled aristocrat Anton Makusa, among the kingdom's best jumpers, enters for a different prize: his childhood love has been comatose since they were driven from the palace, and he is deep in debt trying to keep her alive.
An unexpected alliance forms between Calla and Anton, with help from King Kasa's adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin's ills, though the three pursue very different ends.
Before the games close, their consuming partnership forces Calla to decide whether she is playing for her lover or her kingdom.
