PrinceArnhasadestiny-anancientthrone-buthe'snotwaitingforfatetodeliverwhenhecanactnow,beforehisenemiesorganizeagainsthim.ThehealerAeridlongsforherbarelyrememberedhomeland.Markedoutbyhergiftandherunusuallooks,sheinsistssheisnowitch.TheswordsmanNaedhopestohonorablydefendhisuncle'sholding,butheharborsasecretfascinationfortheexotichealer.PrinceArn'scampaignagainstAerid'shomelandthrowsthemintoatriangleofforbiddenlove,betrayal,andheartbreak.Onlywhentheyrealizeloveisblood-kintofriendship,andneitherispossiblewithoutrisk,cantheyforgeanewallianceandrestoreakingdom.