In 1980s Burma, the British ambassador's son goes missing. Taken north, Michael soon finds himself used as a pawn in a rebel war against the government. His best hope of salvation is to trust Zeya, a ruby smuggler from a town near the rebel camp.
For Zeya, the ambassador's son is her ticket out of poverty. For Than, an ambitious military officer, rescuing Michael is an opportunity for promotion. All three learn everyone has a price.