As the daughter of a general of the Valorian Empire, Kestrel has two options - join the army or get married. But she doesn't want either. When she buys a man in the slave market whose pride charms her at first glance, she has no idea that the consequences of this whim will cost her dearly. The forbidden friendship that develops between them becomes dangerous for them and for the whole country. Both will become important figures in a high political game full of intrigue, secrets and betrayal.