When Lady Vesta arrives in Katōna as the bride by proxy of its hereditary Prince, she expects a royal welcome. Instead, she finds herself alone in a country on the brink of revolution — with only the authoritative and arrogant Count Miklos to protect her. The Count orders her to return to England, but Vesta refuses to break the promise she has made. Very reluctantly, he agrees to escort her to the capital, and together they embark on a perilous journey through a land torn apart by rebellion. When they fall into the hands of brigands, it is Vesta's courage that saves them. But as danger draws them ever closer, so too does an irresistible passion between them. Yet the capital — and the Prince who awaits her there — is drawing ever nearer. Vesta must now make an impossible choice. Honour her promise to a Prince she has never met, or risk everything she holds dear to follow her heart.