Two generations on from the story of Swordspoint (and one on from the later novel The Privilege of the Sword), this is finally the novel that proves conclusively that these are not merely flowery mannered dramas but actual fantasy novels. It also returns to the slashy roots of Swordspoint.

Basil St. Cloud is a rising talent as a history professor; his area of interest is the study of the long-lost monarchy. Suddenly a complication appears in his life: Theron Campion, a fascinating new student who finds Basil irresistible. They have clashing backgrounds; even worse, local busybodies make their relationship a hot item of gossip. But even worse, revolution may be brewing, and the authorities blame Basil's lectures for the unrest. Modern historians discounted all the legends of wizards surrounding the monarchy, but he finds growing evidence that the king and the practice of magic were historical realities. Can Basil and Theron survive the upheaval that's surely coming? Bittersweet, compelling and very, very morish. :)