Left to die by Sanematsu's mortal enemy, Aderyn dreams of rescue. Sanematsu seeks her far and wide, only to learn she is reported dead by that same enemy.

He mourns until his friends and family fear he will die and together confront him with the dereliction of his duty as daimyo. Then, an unexpected messenger brings the news that his love is alive, though grieviously injured.

But even with his love once more in his arms, the danger isn't over. Aderyn is a barbarian, condemned to death by her very existence. Not even her place as the wife of Sanematsu may be enough to save her when they are summoned to Kyoto to face the Shogun's judgment.