Gaius’ illness causes a political crisis and reveals the weakness of Livia’s position without him, a problem she must solve.
Livia’s marriage to Gaius is compromised when she learns that she can’t bear him any children.
As Livia tells her sons about their role in her Mission, the truth behind her part in Marcellus’ death threatens to come out.
As Gaius’ rivals taste blood in the water, Livia must outwit both them and her husband if the family is to be kept together.
Livia has no choice but to eliminate Marcellus, who plans to kill her sons and exile her when he assumes Gaius’ position.
Eleven years on, Livia is married to the powerful Gaius, and is pregnant again. Yet, she does not feel entirely secure.
A mysterious man tries to entice Geralt to join a hunt for a rampaging dragon, a quest that attracts a familiar face. Ciri questions who she can trust.