Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence, child abuse, and death.

The Prisoner’s Throne starts with Oak, the heir to the throne of Elfhame, six weeks before his imprisonment by Wren. While attempting to learn the names from Lady Elaine of those participating in a conspiracy against the throne, he realizes he’s late for the ceremony where he will officially be named heir to the High King and Queen: Cardan and Jude. His foster mother, Oriana, lectures him on acting correctly for his position. 

As the ceremony unfolds, Oak reflects on how his sisters—Jude, Taryn, and Vivi—still see him as their carefree younger brother and how he’s determined to keep it that way. Despite now being the heir to the throne, he doesn’t want it; the ambitions of his father, Prince Dain, led to the death of Oak’s mother, Liriope, while he was still in her womb, and he was only saved by Oriana’s desperate intervention.

After the festivities, Oak overhears an argument between Jude and Cardan. Lady Nore is holding Madoc captive. Cardan insists Hyacinthe and Oak were involved. When Jude brushes off the idea, Cardan counters that her brother is cleverer than any of them think.