Eight years ago, a usurping uncle drove Melisende and her father from their beautiful mountain home. Since then, Melisende has had one goal: find the document proving her father the rightful Grand Duke of Merania. The last step of her search brings her to London, where one unexpected obstacle stands between her and her birthright-Philip Devlin.

Devlin will never advance in government through the usual means; he's Irish, Catholic, and a lesser son. But he's very good at gathering information, especially sensitive information, especially from women. Melisende of Merania has secrets, and he's determined to learn them. Even if that means offering her protection against an unknown enemy set on stopping her by any means.

Through ballrooms and alleys, intrigues and surprise attacks, Philip finds Melisende unlike any woman he's known-a woman worth fighting for. But as her quest leads them to a mountaintop castle to confront a ruthless assassin, Melisende must choose which she loves more: Merania, or Philip.