The man at the door carries a vital message for the King of Caelius, but he is mortally wounded and near death when he knocks at Elspeth's door. The young woman, living alone in a ramshackle house, at the edge of starvation is stunned by the arrival and death of the messenger. Abandoned by her abusive father and left to care for her sickly mother until her death, she struggles to survive both physically and emotionally and fantasizes about rescue by the young Prince of Caelius to ease her misery. Seizing the opportunity to chase her fantasy, she sets out on the man’s horse to deliver the message herself. Arriving at the castle, Elspeth delivers the message to King Fredric, who warmly welcomes her, offering her acceptance and love. But trusting his response is a difficult venture: she must reconcile it with her lowly, abusive past, while facing her fears, and embracing the longings she has denied for a lifetime. Struggling with her inability to trust, she makes an astounding discovery and comes face-to-face with the depth of the King’s love.

Book II: Thrown into the monarchy of Caelius, Queen Elspeth continues to struggle with the mysteries of the castle and the secrets her three aides insist upon keeping to themselves. The King has promised her four loyal aides, but the fourth turns out to be a traitor, exposing her to great danger and causing her to doubt King Fredric’s trustworthiness. Plagued by the evil Casimir’s constant attempts to overthrow her and take over her beloved Caelius, Elspeth is faced with difficult decisions, the frightening prospect of learning to trust her aides, and an oftentimes overwhelming self-doubt. One by one, the castle secrets are unveiled, but instead of providing reassurance, they only add to her doubts. Is she merely a pawn in a manipulative game played by her aides, or is the King’s word truly to be trusted?

Book III: Long before Elspeth sets out on her journey to carry an errant message to King Fredric, his father, King Baldric, saves an abandoned, homeless ten-year-old Eldreda from the streets of Caelius. Within a year, the evil Casimir declares war on King Baldric, and Eldreda not only grows up with the uncertainties of war but is personally touched by its evil. At the castle, the young woman overcomes her fear of abandonment, and yearns to become a lady-in-waiting. But she must first learn some difficult lessons about acceptance, love, and duty. She also learns about the level of commitment required in her chosen profession and must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice in the service of her country.