When her friend's sister is the latest victim in the child-snatchings plaguing her region, Amraeya ni Ansarim makes the journey to the royal court despite the mental and physical pain her malformed foot causes her, because she dares hope the rulers will help. She finds unexpected allies in the city, from the foreign princess to a street thief, but as the mystery unravels, it's possible the answers she seeks could endanger the entire kingdom.