After the fall of
Camelot at the
Battle of Camlann, Lin, daughter of
King Arthur and Queen
Gwenhwyfar, is torn by grief and self-doubt. Believing herself unworthy to follow in her father's wake, Lin leaves Camelot. Twelve years later, while exploring the deserted castle with her four children, Lin tells them about her own childhood in the distant kingdom of
Orkney, before she learned the truth of her birth. Lin's earliest memories are of sorrow and hardship as a
slave in the castle of Arthur's half-sister Queen
Morgause. At five years old, the only mother she knows dies, leaving Lin alone with Dafydd, the boy she believes is her true elder brother. On Lin's twelfth birthday, she is given a slave collar and a new master: Prince
Mordred, who knows she, not he, is the true heir to the throne of Camelot. After Lin resists Mordred's every attempt to break her spirit, Mordred decides to sell Dafydd. But through a misunderstanding, Lin is sent to the auction block as well. King Arthur's brother
Sir Kay witnesses the auction in progress. Appalled to see children for sale, he frees all those who have not been sold, including Lin. Kay notices her
family resemblance and takes Lin to Arthur, who wants to avenge his innocent daughter for the abuse she endured. Lin has several reasons for stopping her father. She views slavery as a stigma and wants it to remain secret. She also realizes she cannot let her father fight her battles. She must face Mordred alone as she has always done. ==Critical reaction==