Winona Nander is known in her circle for her untamed, radiant charm. She watches lions bare their teeth on the Alencan savannah, dances till dawn in the underground clubs of Bolund, and switches boyfriends every few days. There is hardly a reckless thing she hasn't done. But fate has its own plans. She is being arranged to marry Caleb Solt, the most disciplined and proper gentleman in their circle. At their first meeting, Winona deliberately shows up five hours late, intending to put him in his place. But her father's men drag her straight out of a bar and send her to the exclusive teahouse. When she arrives, Caleb is seated by the window, quietly sipping tea. The afternoon light filters through the lattice, tracing soft shadows across his refined profile. He sits with calm grace, as if he has been waiting not for five hours, but for only five minutes.