In the former kingdom of Morrigan, countless lives were lost to both war and rebellion. When women seized all positions of power, new laws decreed that only they could earn income and receive inheritances, while men lost the majority of their rights and were reduced to mere objects of scorn. Morrigan became a queendom shrouded in an illusory peace. Outside the royal court, especially, the people continued to suffer; however, men now endured the worst of the pain and humiliation. Albert is a young orphan living near Morrigan's harbor. One day, despite warnings from his guardian Martha, he and his friend Theodore head toward the town center to observe preparations for the Queen's birthday festival. Unsurprisingly, as they are boys unaccompanied by an adult, they are captured by slave traders and immediately prepared for sale. An elegantly dressed man offers an exorbitant price to purchase them both—though he clearly displays a preference for Albert. Introducing himself as Guy Schwarzwald, the man transports Albert and Theodore to a palace where they are to meet their new master. Albert is unsure what surprises him more: that he is now the property of Princess Alexia Lumiere, heir apparent to the throne, or that she somehow looks exactly like him!