Nephele Speirling is the only daughter of Hybern's Grand General, the most powerful man on the isle and the sole owner of what remains of Hybern's military. But when Neph begins to demonstrate her true power, her parents quickly become threatened by the idea of a female having such strength in their stern social hierarchy. So, Neph is locked away in a cellar, her power suppressed by ancient techniques of brutal people until the day she is to be engaged. Eris Vansera is the eldest son of the High Lord of Autumn, who has made the grand mistake of offering secret refuge to the General and his army. As a sign of his gratitude, Fergis Speirling offers his daughter to Beron as a gift, to do with her body whatever he deems fit. And as a sign of solidarity and friendship, Beron decrees that his eldest son is to marry Nephele and become a Lady of the autumn court. But people like Eris and Nephele dont appreciate being pawns.