Lady Eleanor de Levan fled her husband on her wedding night. For years she has been running, leaving her country, giving up her titles, and even changing her name. Finally, in 1196, she is content working as a maid in an English castle. That is, until knight Sir Alec Earnblaec discovers her on the tournament grounds and pieces together her dramatic past. Desperate to do anything to stay hidden, Eleanor weaves a delicate charade of secrecy and shame that forces her to question how much her secret is worth. She soon discovers the only way forward is to fight, requiring an independence and strength no one expects. If she is to step into the light, she must emerge under her own name. Her abusive husband and manipulative uncle are going to find her. Does Eleanor have the strength to face her past? And for all the courage she must find, will she find the courage to love?