Deep in the rugged Scottish countryside lies the Highland Targe, an ancient relic that, along using its Guardian, protects the center of the Highlands.

For centuries, the MacAlpin clan has watched over the Targe, but Lady Elspet, the current Guardian, is gravely sick. Her niece Rowan MacGregor, the rock of the family, is doing everything she can to carry her clan together when she matches Nicholas fitz Hugh.

Handsome and charming, Nicholas quickly joins clan life – yet he is not what he seems. A cunning spy, Nicholas is usually charged with the king of Britain with stealing the Targe, portion of a storyline to break the Scottish rebellion.

Despite his loyalty towards the king, Nicholas discovers himself falling for beautiful Rowan. When Lady Elspet’s health worsens and the guardianship is usually in question, Nicholas must select from the king’s will and his personal. Can he betray his ruler and objective? Or will he start the woman he loves as well as the family members he has arrive to look after?