Marla Wolfblade, princess of Hythria, is determined to restore her family to its former power and glory. But Hythria is a fiercely patriarchal society, and Marla knows power may only be gained through a man. Narrowly avoiding an arranged marriage to the King of Fardohnya, she instead marries Laren, Warlord of Krakandar Province, and gives birth to a son. Damin is named heir to the throne of Hythria by his uncle, the dissolute High Prince. Settling into life as the wife of a warlord, Marla believes the future of her familyis secured, but there are forces in the land that do not want the house of Wolfbalde restored. Can Marla protect her son and her family and stop the conspirators?