Celaena has triumphed in a relentless competition against her rivals and is now the King's Champion. According to his orders, she is to eliminate undesirable opponents who wish to end his cruel reign. However, instead of removing them from the equation, Celaena warns his enemies, allowing them to escape. She initially keeps this secret even from Chaol, to whom she finds herself increasingly drawn against her will. How much can she trust him? After all, Chaol is the Captain of the Royal Guard. Should she listen to her heart or her mind?.