Hope and Bryan met by chance on a moonlit path in the wood. Bryan, a ne’er-do-well and all around nogoodsman, was hidden in the birch, awaiting a coach to raid. Hope, the heir apparent to the most powerful (and corrupt) noble family in the kingdom, was making her way on horseback to torture a prisoner in the dungeon. Bryan stepped out in front of her steed, tempted by her fine cloak and the jangling of her purse. They both got more than they bargained for, as they ended up falling in love and unseating the monarchy. Bryan and Hope act as co-regents to King Lexi, a self-serving but ultimately benevolent ruler.