Saewara, sister to the King of Mercia, has just lost her husband. Finally free of a cruel bully, she wishes to take the veil and retire to a life of peace and solitude. But, the king destroys her plans when he orders her to remarry--to Annan, the King of the East Angles.
Following his kingdom's humiliating defeat to Mercia six months earlier, Annan must 'bend the knee' to his new lord. However, what begins as a forced marriage develops into a slow-burning passion between Annan and Saewara. Two proud individuals, they must come to terms with more than an unwanted marriage. Leaving her past behind, Saewara attempts to forge a new life for herself as Queen of the East Angles--but her fragile happiness with Annan risks destruction by the ambitions of her ruthless brother.