To escape an arranged marriage, Annalise Marony decides to become a Handmaiden of the Order of Solace. But she is thwarted at every turn by Cassian, a teacher of the faith, who must test her dedication. Older than most of the girls, Annalise knows that she will be expected to please a patron in pleasures of the flesh and she is not shy about teasing Cassian. As they both play out the game of master and student, the secrets in their souls will either tear them apart or bind them together forever.