In a world divided by ancient rivalries and fragile alliances, the balance of power is on the verge of collapse. The novel’s setting is split between the East and the West—two regions with vastly different beliefs about dragons. In the East, dragons are revered as divine creatures, guiding the rulers of Seiiki and forming the backbone of their culture. In the West, dragons are seen as monstrous and demonic, the harbingers of chaos and destruction. These clashing worldviews have created centuries of distrust, a divide that will soon be tested as an ancient enemy rises once more.

At the heart of the story is Queen Sabran IX of Inys, the last in a long line of rulers said to be the only force keeping the Nameless One, an ancient fire-breathing dragon, locked away beneath the earth. As an unmarried queen without an heir, Sabran is constantly under pressure to secure her lineage, for it is believed that her bloodline alone can prevent the return of this monstrous entity. However, assassins lurk in the shadows of her court, and treachery festers within her trusted circle. Protecting her from the dangers that threaten her rule is Ead Duryan, a lady-in-waiting who is far more than she appears to be. A secret member of the Priory of the Orange Tree, Ead is sworn to protect Sabran and, in secret, uses forbidden magic to shield her from unseen threats. But as her loyalty to the Priory and her growing attachment to the queen collide, Ead must navigate the perilous waters of court politics while keeping her own secrets hidden.

Meanwhile, across the sea in the East, Tané, a young and ambitious dragon rider, prepares for the most significant moment of her life—the chance to be chosen by one of the sacred dragons of Seiiki. Having trained her entire life for this opportunity, Tané’s future is thrown into jeopardy when she makes a fateful decision: she shelters a foreign stranger who washes up on Seiiki’s shores. Her actions violate the strict rules of her homeland, setting into motion a chain of events that will place her on a path she never expected. Forced to flee and wrestle with the consequences of her choices, Tané embarks on a journey that will challenge everything she has ever believed about herself, her world, and the nature of dragons.

In the background, Niclays Roos, an alchemist exiled for his past transgressions, seeks the mythical elixir of immortality. His search for redemption and knowledge leads him into dangerous alliances, drawing him deeper into the conflicts that threaten to unravel the world. As war looms on the horizon and the Nameless One’s prison begins to weaken, Niclays finds himself caught between survival and the pursuit of power, forced to reckon with his own ambitions and regrets.

As these disparate narratives weave together, the long-buried secrets of the past begin to surface. The truth behind the Nameless One’s imprisonment, the real power of the Priory of the Orange Tree, and the origins of the world’s division are slowly revealed. The characters, each facing their own trials and tribulations, must come to terms with their destinies as the ancient dragon stirs beneath the earth, threatening to unleash devastation upon the world once more.

In a breathtaking climax, the forces of East and West must unite despite centuries of mistrust. Ead’s loyalty to the Priory, Sabran’s responsibility to her kingdom, Tané’s connection to the dragons, and Niclays’ quest for knowledge all converge in a final battle against the Nameless One and his monstrous horde. Sacrifices are made, allegiances shift, and the fate of the world is decided in an epic confrontation that will either lead to salvation or ruin.

With its intricate world-building, complex characters, and powerful themes of unity, courage, and destiny, The Priory of the Orange Tree is a masterfully crafted fantasy novel that challenges traditional narratives and delivers an unforgettable tale of heroism, love, and the struggle for survival.