To save her deathly ill brother, surly half-dwarf Maerryl Kirim joins a guild of thieves and agrees to infiltrate a noble family.
She is assigned as bodyguard to Dove Wistrallo, a haughty young woman who wants independence rather than a hired shadow.
Dove enjoys every privilege of her station, yet she conceals a risky magical ability known to almost no one.
Bound to each other's company, the rogue and the lady clash until dislike gives way to a pull they cannot dismiss.
Time is running out for Maerryl to secure the family's riches, and the love taking root between them must contend with her ruse, Dove's secret, and a den of thieves.
