After losing Rodden at the last Turning, Zeraphina is alone. Or she would be, if her mother and Prince Folsum would just leave her in peace. The prince, blind in one eye after an attack by Zeraphina's brant, has taken up residence in her home and is insisting she marry him. When an accident befalls him, Zeraphina flees - straight into the arms of a waiting harming. Now a captive, she discovers she's being taken to Lharmell. But not to be executed. To be crowned queen. The identity of the one who has given the orders is shrouded in mystery, and Zeraphina can't help but be suspicious. After everything she's done the Lharmellins should want her dead. Zeraphina can't tell if her captor is telling the truth. And just who is awaiting her in Lharmell?