The King of Borlien is beset by enemies and religious problems. He feels the only people he can trust are his phagor guard. In an attempt to resolve his troubles he decides to divorce his beautiful Queen Inggala and marry instead the princess of neighbouring Oldorando, who is just a child. But the phagors just bide their time, waiting to take advantage of human weakness, especially the king's. His action convinces them that the time is ripe ...