Lis, the youngest prince of Rin in the Hnura'i Empire, was raised from birth to guard the traditions of his people and take no chances with his family's honour. Yet, at the tri-annual Desert Market's slave auction, he feels the unfamiliar stirrings of rebellion at the sight of the strange foreigner who will only identify herself as The Lioness, and stands proudly even as she is being sold in chains.

Ignoring the gnawing whisperings of his upbringing, he is compelled by an irresistible sense of purpose to buy this mysterious woman and take her back with him to Shara City ? a city she vows to protect as the shadows of her past loom with the promise to destroy Lis, tear apart the principality of Rin, and destroy the lands she now calls home.

Tradition and duty are cast aside in the forbidden bond that forms between Prince Lis and The Lioness as they strive together to fulfill her ancient vows and save the sacred Shara Mountain.