The story begins with Berta, the eldest daughter of the Kasha family, being summoned by her father. To her surprise, she is informed that she has been chosen to enter the royal harem as a consort. Berta, who considers herself plain and past her prime for such a role, questions why she was chosen over her younger, more beautiful half-sisters. Her father explains that this is a formal request from the King, driven by political necessity rather than personal preference. The King desires a Petraite consort to appease the growing influence of the Petraite people, who are a majority in the kingdom but are looked down upon by the old nobility of the capital. Berta is to be appointed as the second consort, a historically significant position as the first Petraite to enter the royal family. Her father emphasizes that her mere presence in the harem will shift the political balance, making her a crucial pawn. Berta, pragmatic and unwilling to be a mere pawn, proposes a condition for her acceptance, hinting at her shrewd nature.
The narrative then shifts to King Harold, the illegitimate son of the previous king. His ascension to the throne was controversial due to his birth and the disapproval of the Prospero Church, which enforces monogamy and does not recognize illegitimate children. Harold's mother, a former lady-in-waiting to the Queen, was from a position that made her more acceptable. Harold was raised as the legitimate heir and engaged to his cousin, Princess Marguerite. However, Harold and Marguerite were unable to conceive a healthy child, leading to miscarriages and Marguerite's declining health. Marguerite, desperate to secure Harold's succession and alleviate his perceived "sinful blood," even attempted suicide. This event, coupled with the pressure from the church and his own desire for a stable lineage, led Harold to break with the old powers and establish a new national church. Despite their marital difficulties, Harold and Marguerite maintained a familial respect for each other.
Marguerite, in her desire for a pure-blooded heir, began presenting ladies-in-waiting and other young women to Harold, hoping for a child who would inherit the royal bloodline. This led to a competitive influx of noble daughters into the palace from various factions. Despite these efforts, Harold, now in his thirties, remained childless. It was during this period that the proposal for Berta Kasha, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, to enter the harem was made. The Kasha family, known for their immense wealth and influence in trade, had always maintained a distance from royal politics. Their decision to send their legitimate daughter was seen as a significant move. The council debated Berta's potential as a consort, with some even suggesting she replace Marguerite. Harold, seeking a compromise, agreed to accept Berta as the second consort.
Berta's arrival at the palace is marked by her practical understanding of her role. She is given a lavish palace and the title of second consort, but she is aware that she is not expected to win the King's affection. The King, Harold, visits her for three nights, a customary gesture to legitimize the marriage, but his actions are purely political. After these initial visits, Harold ceases to see Berta, focusing on the political ramifications of her arrival and the machinations of the court. Berta, though initially resigned to her role as a political tool, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. This news shocks the court, as Harold has been childless for fifteen years. Harold, though surprised, questions the paternity, but the palace officials confirm the timing and Berta's strict oversight. He admits he never intended to impregnate Berta, but the prospect of an heir, even one with Petraite blood, brings him a complex mix of relief and apprehension, as it will significantly impact his policies regarding the integration of Petraites.
Meanwhile, Berta's father, the head of the Kasha family, is also surprised by the pregnancy. His intention was to use Berta as a political pawn and a hostage, not to establish a powerful Kasha lineage through her offspring. He sends a letter of concern for Berta and her child, showing a paternal affection that contrasts with the King's detached pragmatism. Berta, realizing the precarious position of her unborn child, who will be a mixed-blood heir without strong backing, begins to strategize.
The narrative then introduces Johanna, a young viscountess seeking to become a wet nurse for Berta's child. She is impressed by Berta's opulent palace and her dignified demeanor, despite her pregnancy. Berta, in turn, is looking for a trustworthy wet nurse who can act as an ally. She selects Johanna, noting her family's lack of strong political ties and her evident affection for her own children. Berta, aware of the political dangers her child will face, intends to secure her child's future by surrounding them with loyal individuals.
The story then details the tense confrontation between Berta and Queen Marguerite. Marguerite, influenced by traditionalist nobles, demands that the newborn prince, Louis, be handed over to her for upbringing, claiming it is her duty as the Queen. Berta, fiercely protective of her son, argues that Louis's mixed heritage makes him vulnerable in the prejudiced royal court and that she must be his shield. She points out the difference between her situation and that of the previous Queen and Harold's mother, highlighting that Louis's Petraite blood makes him an outsider. Harold, caught in the middle, is unable to make a clear decision, and Berta's resistance, though forceful, is met with his indecision.
Following this confrontation, Berta experiences a period of emotional distress, exacerbated by her physical recovery from childbirth. Her father, however, intervenes by leveraging his influence to secure the support of the Dowager Queen for Berta and Louis. This unexpected alliance provides Berta with a crucial shield against Marguerite's faction and the King's wavering stance. Berta, now more confident, begins to assert her influence, preparing to host the Dowager Queen and solidify her position within the palace. The narrative concludes with Berta reflecting on her past naivety and the harsh realities of her current situation, while her son Louis sleeps, unaware of the political battles being waged for his future.
