Adara, a Welsh widow, must find protection for her sister who has been attacked by an English soldier. Only one man offers help — Gavin, captain of the English guard. Adara must live under Gavin's hated hawk badge. She barters her body for his protection but cannot keep her heart untouched.

Images in an enchanted athame indicate that Adara's missing family is well. She must decide her future, whether to go west with her family or stay with a man who has shown her that the vanquished can also be victor, and the victor may be conquered.