Wounded in the Battle of the Five Armies, Thorin Oakenshield and his two nephews are brought to Rivendell. There, the three dwarves begin the long, arduous, and taxing road to recuperation and all Thorin wants it to be well enough to return to Erebor and his rightful place on that throne. Amara makes him want to punch something, but at the same time, with each day, his desire for her outweighs his aggravation with her.
Amara of Rivendell has devoted her life to healing, but she never expected to meet someone like Thorin. The proud, stubborn dwarf challenges her to no end, and in return, she works him until he swears revenge. But along the way, she realizes there is more to the King Under the Mountain than meets the eye, and as they come to know one another, she becomes more determined to break down his walls and bring some happiness into his life.
But, while Azog the Defiler is gone, another has taken his place and like his predecessor, has vowed to end the line of Durin for once and for all, and just might be successful in shattering the fragile peace Thorin and Amara find in each other's arms.
Arielle Farran has no business being a valet to anyone, let alone to Thorin Oakenshield, but she really has no choice. Her twin brother, Elen was actually supposed to take the position, only to have a serious injury throw a wrench into the works and lands them in serious financial straits. Either she pretends to be him, or they lose the only home they've ever known. Reluctantly, Arielle agrees and shows up at Erebor's gates as Elen and from the moment she meets the King Under the Mountain, she knows she's in trouble. It's only a matter of time before she gets caught, she just knows it.
Thorin doesn't really want a valet, but his sister Dis has decided otherwise and since it's easier to give in than fight with her, a valet will soon be his. But when he meets Elen Farran, he senses something isn't quite as it should be where he's concerned. But, since he can't just outright accuse Elen of playing false without any proof, Thorin decides to play along until Elen comes clean of his own volition.