For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it is her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her-- the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu. She hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi-- masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making-- where the winner will receive a favor from the princess. It may be Ning's only chance to save Shu's life. But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.