Bridei has dedicated his life to reclaiming his birthright--lands the King of Northumbria stole from the Picts. When he travels south to confront the king, he is reunited with Hea once more. Gone is the waif he remembers, instead she has grown into a striking, flame-haired woman whose fiery independence captivates him. And yet he is a Pict, she is an Angle. He may desire her, but they can never have a future together.
The shadow of war looms over the north, and Hea sets out on an epic journey. She accompanies her king from the Northumbrian stronghold of Bebbanburg to the wilds of Pictland, where a great battle will decide the fate of all. Meanwhile, Bridei struggles to forget the woman he has left behind--he may rule the north, but Hea now rules his heart.