A disinherited aristocrat, Halanya Thaec has been brought up in the confines of the imperial court, destined for a life of privilege and luxury. Yet Hal is happiest with a sword in her hand, and forsakes her status as ward to become a professional duellist, spending her days in training, her nights revelling, famed for her prowess in the capital's duelling arena. All of that changes when Hal falls in love with Meracad Leac, the freedom-craving daughter of a wealthy merchant. Meracad's father will stop at nothing to ensure his own wealth and position, and plans to marry Meracad to Bruno Nerac, a powerful northern lord. Hal's world is about to be thrown into chaos when she sets out to save the woman she loves ...