If Brie, an eighteen-year-old highborn elf girl, thought life was tough when her mother died nine years ago, she was sorely mistaken. As part of the punishment for her father's crime of insulting a prince she is placed in servitude.
Although she is innocent she has to suffer this humiliation. All Brie ever dreamed of is studying and improving her mind. She believes that all hope is lost of ever fulfilling her ambitions.
As handmaiden to Princess Authiel, she has to follow the princess everywhere. Authiel lectures at the university under the watchful eye of Thalion, an old wizard. He reads Brie's mind and sees her potential. He persuades Authiel to teach her.
The quest for knowledge proves far more challenging than expected. Kidnapping, murder and betrayal dog Brie's footsteps. But not all is lost. Rewards come from unexpected quarters and there is a hint of romance on the horizon.