After finally settling into her new life on the Citadel, Thalia is reunited with her father, Bearen, the first choice from the reclusive Valdyrstahl Clan.

Forced to leave the school and return house towards the snowy mountains, Thalia is usually surprised to discover she is engaged to a man she doesn’t keep in mind. When she rejects the betrothal, her dad organizes a tournament for her submit marriage.

Thalia will risk everything, even banishment to win the competition herself and prove that she actually is strong enough to lead her people. The only problem is when her inexplicable bodyguard, Kael, surprises her and enters the band to challenge for leadership of the clan and her.