Sariphi is confronted witha new challenge to prove herself worthy of becoming Queen--to welcome themysterious Duke Galoa on his visit to the palace. But the Duke is rumored to bea fearsome warrior with an ever-burning hatred of all things human. Sariphidevotes herself to learning every step of every dance and every detail of palaceetiquette, but what will she do if Galoa refuses to so much as disguise hisblatant loathing of humankind?