When Maia first arrived at Balaric Manor, her only desire was to learn midwifery from the retired midwife, Ida. But soon her quiet life was upended by the arrival of Ida's grandson, Cynric, and a company of knights protecting a pregnant princess escaping her abusive husband. Catherine is more than just a run-away wife. She is a pawn, used by her husband, Rufus, and brother, Richard, to gain political power, both of whom in turn are being used by a secret cadre of magical persons, The Grand Coven, who are trying to replace the present king, Elric, with one more malleable, a puppet they can control. Cynric knows about the Grand Coven because he has magical powers. His grandfather was killed by the Grand Coven for refusing to join them. So Cynric must hide his abilities or face the same fate. Maia also has a secret. She has musical talent, but more than that, she has memories of songs that have not yet been written.
The leader of the knights protecting Catherine is Sir Owen. The other companions are Lady Margaret, Catherine's good friend; Sabrina, a serving girl who gets caught up in the action, and the knights Sir Liam, Sir Rylan, Sir Graeme, and trainees Evan and Aric.
One Grand Coven member, Keelan, keeps showing up. His motivations and purpose are unclear at first.
Cynric finds a young boy, Galen, who also has magic, and whom he vows to protect from the Grand Coven. Can Cynric's magic keep everyone safe? And how does Maia know songs that will not be written for centuries?