Before the Fall of a Realm

Ruby Linton, a village girl, has decided that she is the crown prince's consort. The whole of it rests on one event. Crown Prince Hector Hill, travelling north to negotiate a peace at the border, saved her life, and she took that for love. She installs herself at the prince's residence and does as she pleases there, giving orders in his name. The consequences land on Hector. He is held responsible for her conduct and reprimanded, the question of stripping him of his position is raised, and several other kingdoms begin forming a coalition against his country. This happens while he is still in the north.