Gabrielle is the elder twin and heir to the throne. Francesca was second born by a matter of minutes, but those critical minutes were enough to label her the spare heir and she felt it every day. Gabrielle is a free spirit. Francesca, a shy shadow hiding behind her sister's skirts. As the eldest, Gabrielle did everything in her power to avoid overshadowing Francesca. So when the day came and Francesca whispered she'd fallen in love, Gabrielle gladly agrees to be the one hiding in the shadows until Francesca is wed. But the King has other plans and announces Francesca is to be wed to the savage heathen prince from the north. A Viking! The only way Gabrielle can save her delicate sister is to take her place. Together the twins create a web of deceit that quickly spins out of control leaving a trail of death in its wake.