Sir Balan is in dire need of funds to rescue Gaynor Castle from ruin. Devastated by the Plague, his crops lie rotting in the fields to lack of men to harvest them. Many of the village men sought employment in other realms.

Lady Murie, King Edward III’s goddaughter, is known far and wide as
The Brat.” When Sir Balan witnesses one such outburst, he has mixed feelings – she is beautiful and has the funds he needs to restore Gaynor, but can he withstand her temperament? King Edward has decided Murie should wed and when Balan requests an audience with the King, her future husband is chosen. This does not sit well with Maculinus, who wants Murie for himself.