After finally settling into her new life at the Citadel, Thalia is reunited with her father, Bearen, the leader of the reclusive Valdyrstahl Clan. Forced to leave the school and return home to the snowy mountains, Thalia is surprised to find she is engaged to a man she doesn't remember. When she rejects the betrothal, her father organizes a tournament for her hand in marriage. Thalia will risk everything, even banishment to try and win the tournament herself and prove that she is strong enough to lead her people. The only problem is when her mysterious bodyguard, Kael, surprises her and enters the ring to challenge for leadership of the clan and her.