A society’s struggle to heal after a civil war provides the backdrop for the novel. During this war, the Kingdom of Atlantia, ruled by Prince Casteel, fell to the Kingdom Solis, ruled by Queen Ileana and King Jalara. Prince Casteel is called, “the Dark One” and, to the citizens of Kingdom Solis, he is “nothing more than a remnant of Atlantia, the corrupt and twisted kingdom that had fallen at the end of the War of Two Kings” (26). Those who believe Prince Casteel to be the rightful heir to the throne call themselves Descenters in opposition to the Ascended of Kingdom Solis. The protagonist, Penellaphe Balfour, is the Maiden destined on her nineteenth birthday to Ascend and be given to the gods. Penellaphe’s Ascension will be the largest ceremony since the war’s end, with the most Ladies and Lords in Wait Ascending alongside her.

Desperate to experience life before her Ascension, Penellaphe decides to visit the Red Pearl under the alias “Poppy.” She joins a group of Royal Guards around a card table and begins to play, taking in the lifestyle of the licentious nightclub. The Royal Guards protect the Kingdom Solis and the Ascended, who live within the boundaries of the Rise.