This book is about young a countess, Meliara and her brother Bran. Before their father dies, he tells them to never bend to the greed of their sovereignty's king, King Galdran. When the King finds out of their disloyalty, war breaks out. After their father's death, their castles falls into ruins, and their lands are poverty ridden. But Meliara's people are strong and loyal so Meliara and Bran attempt to fend off the King's troops. Eventually, the war ends with secrets revealed and new alliances made with other nobles. Now Meliara faces new problems. She is summoned to the palace where enemies and friends do not differ by much and politics fills the dance halls. Now she must use wit and wisdom and learn a whole new way of fighting.