Alaine, the redheaded princess of Hawthorn, is of an age to be married. Her father plans for her to marry a prince from another kingdom in order to expand his reach and combine territories. He sends her on a much celebrated caravan to another land to meet potential husbands. Her cousin Kent, who is Captain of the Guard, leads the caravan and is endowed with an impressive new title during the trip. Along the way, Alaine's caravan is dealt some heavy blows due to weather delays and marauders intent on kidnapping the princess, leaving several victims in their wake. Kent and Alaine's lady-in-waiting seem far too comfortable with each other for Alaine's taste, leaving the princess feeling quite lonely at her own situation; for everybody knows that a princess doesn't get to marry for love.

Carver Vale, a mysterious woodsman with a strong attraction to Alaine, follows her caravan and attempts to keep himself hidden; but, destiny intervenes so Alaine and Carver meet in person. Throughout her travels to Irongate Castle, Alaine manages to find stolen moments with Carver, which creates a special bond between them. She is awed by the beauty in his woodland home, and the moss faeries who flitter about and guide her back to her caravan. She develops a friendship with Carver's adoring dog, Astra, who seems to be as fond of the princess as she is of the dog.

Alaine does her best to focus on her mission but has a difficult time keeping thoughts of Carver out of her mind...and heart.