Beautiful Queen Tyrla dazzles Roddri, a young Langisveldan nobleman, but the lovely Imp, Zimara, enchants him. Before he can sort out his feelings for the two women, he is caught in a tangled web of betrayal and assassination, and is accused of murdering the king. Heartbroken at the loss of a sweetly flowering love, Zimara accepts the proposal of an older man, and finds herself trapped in a loveless, abusive marriage. Zimara's friend Glimordis becomes concerned when she hears nothing in response to her letter and sets out to visit Zimara. On the way she is captured by a band of Imps, who have been harried and persecuted by wealthy landowners. Before their ransom demand can be delivered, Roddri, disguised as a wandering minstrel, returns to release Zimara from her intolerable marriage. Without ransom, Glimordis must stay with the Imps. Not content with holding her prisoner, Zlitar, their captain, attempts to capture her heart as well. Zimara and Roddri live fugitive lives far from Langisvelda until Roddri receives a compelling mental call to action. The king--the very man he was accused of killing--Roddri and Zimara must risk everything to clear his name and restore him to honour.