Finally freed from her captors, new queen Annick faces her looming coronation. She knows there are still those looking to destroy her, so she needs help--fast. Turning to dark-hearted Maximus King is the answer, but Annick is shocked when he proposes a much more permanent solution: marriage! Maximus is her adviser, protector--and now her king. He introduces innocent Annick to all of life's delights, except one... Then their electric wedding night leaves her transformed and fighting to claim a passion--and a future--she's only dreamed of!