An omniscient narrator introduces the Kingdom of Delain and informs the reader that the kingdom will soon see a struggle for the throne. The current King, Roland the Good, is getting old and has two sons. Everyone expects Roland’s eldest son, Peter, to become king, but the King’s magician Flagg plans to make the younger son, Thomas, king instead.

Roland does not marry until he is 50 years old because his mother ruled into old age. Immediately after Roland is coronated, Flagg advises him to produce an heir. Flagg chooses six possible brides, each from the lower nobility and seemingly meek, and thus easy to control. Roland chooses to marry Sasha of the Western Barony, a 17-year-old girl who would become beloved in Delain.

Another reason Roland marries late is because he has no interest in women or sex. He needs a potion from Flagg to consummate the marriage, but Sasha is sweet to Roland, which gives him courage, and leads to him falling in love with her.