Kassia de Lorris is heiress to the magnificent keep of Bellaterre, but she may not live long enough to inherit. The lovely young woman is suddenly taken ill and her father, Maurice, fears that powerful forces may take advantage of this apparent weakness in the succession. Kassia’s cousin, Geoffrey, covets the wealthy property, but Maurice knows he isn’t fit to command. In a desperate move to protect Bellaterre, Maurice weds his daughter, Kassia, to a virtual stranger, Lord Graelam de Moreton. Graelam is a knight hardened in battle. Little touches him, but the sight of Kassia’s sweet face and fragile hands affect him greatly. To honor their friendship, Graelam weds Maurice’s daughter on what may be her deathbed. Sadly, he assumes that he shall never see his young bride again.