For Annalise Marony, taking her vows as a Handmaiden isn't a matter of faith -it's a matter of the heart. Betrothed to her childhood companion Jacquin, Annalise finds herself facing a lifetime of marriage to a man she loves - but who can never be a true husband to her. Determined that neither of them shall face that fate, Annalise concocts a plan. She will enter the Order of Solace just long enough for their previous arrangement to be sundered, giving them both the out they desire. What Annalise does not expect is to find something more important to her than escape in her lessons of service at the Order. Cassian Toquin is a man of secrets, a carrier of lies. As Annalise's teacher in the Order, he also becomes her formidable foe...and, perhaps, the only man to fulfill her destiny. When love and faith collide, there can be only one path to absolute solace - if only Annalise and Cassian can bring themselves to walk it.