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.
Speech therapist Josephine Asharm has been brought into Erebor to work with Bifur, but trying to find her place among people who eye her suspiciously would be difficult enough under normal circumstances, but when Sophie finds herself caught between the king, his most trusted lieutenant, and the dwarf she's there to help? She's certain no good can come of it.
Thorin only agreed to allow Sophie to live amongst them out of a sense of duty to Bifur, who is recovering from an odd head injury (is there any other way to describe having an axe blade lodged in one's head, only to have it later dislodged during the Battle of the Five Armies?) Before the battle, he spoke only khuzdul. But since it? He's regained the ability to speak Westron-if only he could but remember any of it. As for Thorin? He's trying his damndest to ignore his own growing feelings for her, even as he is also recovering from his near fatal wounding in the same battle.
Both Sophie and Thorin are haunted by their pasts and are uncertain of their futures, but sometimes, chances must be taken...