The Sisters of the Dark conjure the world's most powerful sorceress, Sister Nicci, back from the Underworld, and she brings with her a scheme to help the Keeper put an end to all life. The evil Sister Nicci negotiates a deadly deal with the richest man alive, the Margrave of Rothenberg. To fulfill his end of the bargain, the Margrave captures Kahlan and prepares her for delivery to the Keeper. A spell cast over the Margrave's land prevents anyone from using magic to free the Confessor. Learning that the Margrave is planning to choose a new bride, Richard and Zedd devise a plan to infiltrate the protected realm and rescue Kahlan. Posing as refined royalty, with the Seeker and Wizard disguised as her entourage, a reluctant Cara must compete in an elaborate masquerade of manners to win the chauvinistic Margrave's affections - before the Sisters of the Dark arrive and claim his prisoner for her deadly date with the Keeper.