Eypha Millwright is the daughter of a miller raised in a countryside monastery after her father left her orphaned fighting for the king. Few visitors venture to the temple, her only friends being the ones in her books, the residents of the monastery who raised her from twelve, and a stray one eyed wolfhound she named Sir Schiller. Travelers who took shelter there often tell tales of a young maiden who could pass for a high born who ought to be married rather than kept hidden away in the middle of nowhere, with spun gold for hair and mermaid’s eyes.
But it’s difficult to marry when you’re not really who you say you are.
Eypha Millwright is in truth, a lie.
Seven years ago, a knight by the name of Sir Schiller Burncrest rode from his kingdom to the distant temple with a princess nestled in his cloak. She was Ixta Dindraver, the last of her name, heir to the throne of castle Falchrun. As most royal families in ages of war and glory go, the Dindravers were dethroned and their bloodline set for extermination by the victorious house. Ixta was whisked away in secret and given a new identity with promise of restoring her family’s rule when her uncle won back their home, but such a day didn’t come. Whatever happened to her uncle, no one knows, and she only saw Schiller twice in her seven years living a simple life at temple Larkmund. Ixta, or Eypha as she goes now, forsook her dreams of ever returning.
And yet their enemies did not give up on that idea so easily. The Dindravers were not truly defeated until every last heir was put to death, and the new king of the realm was set on securing his seat of power. Even now, spies search for her. Larkmund, as secluded and insignificant as it is, may not be safe for long as many stand to gain fortune, fame, favor, and titles by bringing the lost heir back to Falchrun.