Reconciled to the fact that she will follow her father on the throne, Kandake maintains her resolve to continue her warrior training. But illness takes King Amani to the edge of death and Kandake must rule Nubia in his place. Prince Gadarat of Aksum comes calling and announces his intentions to marry Kandake. She has no desire for him or his plans and uses warrior persuasion to change his mind. Kandake's dearest friend, Ezena, has chosen a husband and wishes to bring her grandmother to Nubia for the ceremony. When Kandake travels with Ezena to Aksum, jealousy and revenge drive the rejected Prince to imprison her brother and Amhara. Can Kandake rescue them both, escape Aksum, and get back to Nubia without starting a war?