Home from the army and bored with war, Andras Byrne just wants to enjoy himself. But his mother, the most powerful duchess in Myrcia, has finally lost patience with Broderick Gramiren, the usurper. In a desperate move, the duchess sends Andras to arrange a marriage alliance with Princess Elwyn Sigor, who wants nothing to do with Andras or his family. Princess Donella, daughter of Broderick, isn't about to let Andras get away that easily. Torn between the courtly romances of her imagination and her duty to her friend, Donella will have to decide just how far she is willing to go to stop Andras from marrying the wrong person. And she will discover what happens when a princess stops being a lady.