Set twenty years after the events in The Riftwar Saga, Prince of the Blood follows the intrigues and adventures that erupt when a group of powerful nobles attempts to overthrow the Empress of Kesh, bitterly dividing the court. In the center of the conflict are the two princes of Krondor, Boric and Erland. When Boric is kidnapped and overhears a plot to assassinate them both, he escapes and makes a desperate journey back to the court to warn of the traitors' plans - which, if they were to succeed, would start a war that would tear the Empire apart.

Nicholas, third son of Prince Arutha Of Krondor, is a bright and gifted youngster, but sheltered by the restrictive life of his father's court. To learn more of the world outside the palace walls, Nicholas and his squire, Harry, set sail for pastoral Crydee. Thus begins an adventure that will place the fate of his nation on his unsure shoulders.
As brother to the future king, Nicholas must undertake a long and dangerous journey. And as he ventures further from the familiar landmarks of his home, Nicholas learns more than the fate of two girls is at stake, even more than the fate of the Kingdom, for behind the murderous pirates stands a force that menaces the entire world of Midkemia, and he is destined to control this terrifying threat.