Reeling from the death of his mother and his brother's departure to the Royal Navy, Ciar n Allyn finds himself alone and thrust into life as ward to the King and Queen of Eiremor. He grows up alongside the magical and headstrong Princess Orla-the two fighting with each other nearly as much as they fight for each other-planting the seeds of love beneath the branches of their favorite willow tree.When war is declared, the newly betrothed Orla and Ciar n separate as Ciar n takes to the high seas, battling both the enemy and vicious pirates. When Ciar n is believed dead, Orla is faced with the decision to marry her friend and ally, Prince Olav, or believe that the love between her and Ciar n can transcend anything-even death.