In a turbulent world, the mystical "Blade Oracles" lend divine blades and collect debts after 15 years. Zachary, bearer of a lonely curse, travels to the Southlands to wed Empress Yvette—but she breaks the vow, and the treacherous George frames him. With help from Princess Caroline of the Westernlands, who shares the Destiny of the Ascendant Phoenix, Zachary foils George's plot to devour three kingdoms' fate, defeats evil, and finds true love.