Sir Ahmad leaves High Castle to escape his feelings for Lady Idra, but he is called home by duty when the baby of the high prince is born. During his absence, Idra holds out hope that Ahmad has not forgotten her, but she refuses to let fear or timidity rule her life anymore and takes matters into her own hands.

While Ahmad's been gone she's been training to fight and defend herself, never wanting to fall prey to the evil schemes of men ever again. But Idra's willingness to help others attracts danger at every turn, including when a new knight to the castle asks for her assistance with Sir Florian, a fellow guardsman.

In pursuit of their friend, they uncover roots of impending treason that threaten to undo the kingdom. They unwittingly incite the wrath of an ancient rebellion steeped in magic, putting not only themselves in peril but also Florian and those he cares most for in the world.

Can they stop the traitors in time, or has their interference only doomed those they've sworn to protect? Is Idra strong enough to face a fate worse than death?

When Florian is handed an impossible choice between loyalty to his king and the life of his sister, the choice seems simple. But for an honorable man, is it?

This is the third installment in the Chronicles of the Twelve Realms series, a saga of magical realism set in a fantastical world.