After the mysterious death of King Henry, the struggle for succession erupts. Guillaume de Montfroid is pressured-after the king's death-by both Matilda of England and Stephen of Blois to take sides in the fight for the crown of England and the duchy of Normandy. The king's death brings an unforeseen reversal in the lives of Gerlinde and her daughter Lisette.Guillaume de Montfroid marries again. His son Henri is displeased by this and, with the help of his friend Jacques d'Orlaix, attempts to realize his ambition to become Duke of Normandy. Intrigue, murder, deceit and scheming become the instruments he uses to reach that goal.During the siege of Verneuil, Fleur, the castellan's daughter, falls hopelessly in love with Rowan, the son of a smith. Their difference in social standing will be a hard obstacle to overcome. When Fleur also faces the threat of being married off, they desperately seek a way out.Isolde de Montfroid becomes a skilled horsewoman and fighter. From a completely unexpected quarter she receives a marriage proposal. Her friend Lisette grows into a young lady, eagerly watched by many suitors.