Sister Deborah had never fully acclimatised herself to life in Sempringham Priory. Even as the Prioress she continued to wonder why the Almighty had given her intelligence without showing her how to use it. Then she is brought before King John. Having no choice in the matter she is transferred to the royal household where she becomes better acquainted with the court. The worldly monarch and the spiritual nun are drawn to each other at a time when the realm is under threat from abroad as well from rebellious English barons. In anticipation of civil war the King gathers his treasures and summons his mercenaries, thereby ensuring that the rebels' enmity towards him increases to such an extent that plans are made to depose him, even if it means regicide.