Orphaned young, Bryony is brought up in the sheltered community of an abbey. When she turns 14, she is sent to join her cousin, the King of Athlandia, at Court, and the only family she knows.  However, she soon learns that the King is not as benevolent as she thought and things in the country are not quite as they seem.  When an event occurs that changes her perception of her family, Bryony has to decide where her loyalty and friendships lie.