When madness strikes the Kingdom Household of up-Arran, the region is declared plague-ridden and its borders sealed. Only four-year-old Jared, smuggled out by his mother, survives. Twenty years later, Jared arrives at the al-Rafael Household to end his affair with its ruler, Lady Morgain. Before he can say a word, however, he is arrested and accused of spying. Tortured into confessing, he loses his career, his home, and his freedom. When a voice starts whispering in his head, he fears he is losing something even more precious. His mind. Born outside of wedlock, Armon bal-Rafael is considered an embarrassment by his family and hidden from the world. Lonely and isolated, he becomes obsessed with his lifelong companion Lady Morgain. Jealous of her relationship with Jared, he arranges for Jared's arrest and supplies the evidence which forces Jared's confession. Now he expects Jared to work for him as a spy.