Along with the throne of the Federated Commonwealth, Prince Victor Steiner-Davion inherited a number of problems. Foremost among them is the Clans' threat to the peace of the Inner Sphere - and a treacherous sister who wants to supplant him. The Expected demise of Joshua Marik - heir to the Free Worlds League, whose very presence maintained peace - also endangers harmony. Victor's idea is to use a double for Joshua, a deception that will prevent war.