Scorned Lady Joan of Weston, daughter of the harlot Alys and the old king, has traveled to Windsor Castle, England. Alys, the king's mistress of 13 years, was turned out with her two daughters following the death of the king in 1386. Lord Justin Lamont, a member of the Council, finds Lady Joan, known as Solay, very elegant and beautiful. He suspects ulterior motives for her appearance before the "foolish" young King Richard, who now occupies the throne. Because of the king's outrageous spending, Justin, along with the Council, controls all treasury matters petitioned by the king.

Solay is willing to compromise herself to acquire funds for her mother and sister to live on, even if it means offering herself to Justin, the one man who can thwart her plans. Unexpectedly, the king decides Solay should marry to obtain support and protection -- and to less than Justin! Justin wants no part of this. He barters with the king that he not be required to fulfill this obligation unless Solay can convince him that she loves him by the end of Lent. Because of the discord between King Richard and the Council over the royal finances, Solay is ordered by the king to spy on Justin.

There are so many plots to this story, it was impossible to include all of them. I loved Solay's character and thought the novel was well-written and easy to follow. Some good historical data is portrayed, which helps tremendously.