Love, revenge, secrets – and murder – in a medieval kingdom at war.
Janna's search for her unknown father has brought her to the heart of the royal court of Winchestre, but her purse has been stolen, she has no proof of her identity, she's working as a drudge in a tavern to support herself, and she can't choose between the two men who love her. Winchestre is ablaze in the deadly battle between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, but the true danger to Janna comes from the man sent to silence her forever. Chance brings Janna's father to the tavern – but when sabotage threatens the tavern's future, Janna must choose between her duty to save the woman who gave her sanctuary, and her duty to obey her father.