Lord Derryk is in
love with the foundling he and King Eirik discovered seventeen years ago. Then,
he was but a child. Now, he is ready to court and marry her. Renata, however,
believes she doesn't belong and is
unworthy of Derryk's love. She tries to be a perfect wife, ultimately
exhausting herself.

When temptation
comes in the form of a professed friend, Iollan, she falls for his seductive
lies, and betrays Derryk,
breaking his heart.

Repeatedly, Derryk
forgives and tries to draw her back. But Renata doesn't believe Derryk can truly
forgive or love
her again. Renata continues be unfaithful, until Derryk signs a divorce.

Away from Derryk's
protection, Renata sees the truth about Iollan. At her lowest point, desperate,
she returns to
Eorden for help. She is offered a hut on the edge of his lands with only basic
food to
sustain her.

But Derryk has
vanished and an army bears down on the kingdom. Iollan discovers Renata's
hideout
and charges her
with many crimes, including murder. Derryk's servants are distraught, not
knowing
what to do.

The king arrives
in time for the trial, where Renata is sentenced to death. At the last minute,
Derryk steps out of the
crowd and offers to take her punishment. What follows is a public hanging and a
turn of events no
one expects. Derryk's love ultimately vanquishes all enemies and wins Renata's
heart forever in
beautiful reconciliation.