At the peak of the world lies Svalverfi, a city veiled in eternal winter. The queen's holy fire keeps it from ruin, but as she grows weaker, so does the flame. Who will succeed her before it's too late? The troubled princess Ragnhild or the decadent prince Heidrek? So begins a family feud that will decide everyone's fate. In the midst stands Ismund: a newcomer who, like the throne, is torn between sister and brother. Empyrean is a queer court-drama in a society with reversed gender roles.