When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron. While her fellow arden-sisters at the renowned Magnalia House in Valenia seem to be naturally gifted at one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, or knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she chose knowledge. However, despite years of preparation, Brienna is left without a patron.

Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Once Brienna accepts, she quickly becomes entangled in a dangerous plot to overthrow the ruthless king of Maevana—the rival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the throne. And now, with war brewing, Brienna must choose which side she will remain loyal to: passion or blood.