The Prologue provides world-building exposition and illustrates the effects of the death of Emperor Apius on characters of all social status. Several of the characters introduced here appear later in the book in more substantial roles. One such character is Scortius, a young charioteer for the Greens, who is focused on honoring Heladikos, the son of the god Jad, through his professional achievements. Plautus Bonosus, the unwilling Senator, provides insight into the governmental system of the Sarantine Empire by highlighting its puppet Senate. Petrus is the mild-mannered but quietly ambitious merchant and nephew to Valerius, the Count of Excubitors (law enforcement) and proverbial man of the people. Petrus’ lover, Aliana, is a former dancer for the Blues who hides a keen political mind.

Because the emperor has no heir, the members of his court quickly take action to support their own candidates. With the strategoi (military leaders) abroad, they must move quickly to have their choices ratified by the Senate before they can return. In the mad-dash for the throne, the front-runner is Flavius Daleinus, whose family is as famous as it is wealthy. Given his connections, he seems to be the obvious “choice” for the figurehead senate.