The neighbouring kingdoms of Oscia and Arcathia have been at a tentative peace for three years after centuries of warfare. Prince Severin of Arcathia has been brought up to put duty before all else and as the only son of the King and Queen, it is his duty to marry and produce an heir. His parents want him to marry an Oscian princess to cement that tentative peach. Unfortunately Severin isn't interested in princesses. Now, if he had his pick of princes that would be another matter. Havyn has been a slave all his life. When his aptitude for wizardry is discovered, he finds himself purchased and freed by Prince Severin and apprenticed to the royal wizard, Ildar. His duty is to stay chaste to keep his powers strong, but his feelings for Severin sorely test his resolve. With kingdoms at war, the throne hanging in the balance, and magic in the air, outside forces trying to keep them apart, can the two men find happiness together, or is duty more important than love?