After his saintly wife dies in childbirth, Sir Christian boldly saves his infant son with a violent act, thereby sealing his own ruthless reputation. Now, the warrior known as the Slayer of Helmsley has immediate need of a wet nurse, but all those around him cower in fear. Clarisse du Boise is desperate. The lives of her sisters and mother rest on her committing a terrible act-murdering the Slayer, if only she can get close enough to do so. Weaving an ever-growing web of lies, Clarisse gains access to Christian's castle. Yet while she looks after the heir, the baby-and the warrior-unexpectedly touch her heart. With her resolution wavering, a shocking solution comes to mind, but is it a price she is willing to pay?