This book leads the reader on an adventurous journey through sixteenth century France as Sir Francis Crawford of Lymond and others protect the young Mary Queen of Scots from her would-be assassins while simultaneously trying to capture these killers. The story blends history with fiction in a way that makes it nearly impossible to tell the difference between the real and the fictitious.

The book begins with a list of characters and their connections to each other. This, along with the map of France and part of England, gives the reader a sense of what to expect from this novel. It many be a work of fiction, but it is filled with historically accurate information.

The story begins as O'LiamRoe, an Irish prince, is on a ship bound for France. He wants to learn all he can about being a royal while living this fine life at the expense of the French court. He brings along his ollave Thady Boy Ballagh. Before the chapter ends, the ship is almost sunk by another ship, paid to destroy them. Thus begins this exciting and action-packed historical fiction novel.

Within a few chapters, the reader learns that Thady Boy is actually Sir Francis Crawford of Lymond and has come to France to protect the young Queen of Scots and the future wife of the French Dauphin. Mary of Guise, the Queen Mother, knows that her child's life most likely is in danger due to the tension and hatred connecting members of the Scottish and French courts, as well as others. Her instincts are quite correct.

Lymond spends the rest of the book protecting Mary, while trying to apprehend and convict her would-be assassins. He, along with other characters in this book, risk their lives for the sake of Mary's, while several others risk their lives to end Mary's.

As the author tells the tale of the saving of Queen Mary, she also gives much insight into what life in the sixteenth century might have been like, filled with beautiful French towns, spoiled royalty, and deception and intrigue around every corner. She spends a significant amount of time describing the weary towns as the French court parades through, as well as the many other disturbances caused by the spoiled aristocracy. Dunnett, like a skilled sports announcer, also gives detailed descriptions of all the action that takes place in this story, most notably the fights and sporting events in which Lymond participates.

The book comes to a close as a treaty is signed between France and England, Mary's would-be killers are removed of their power to kill her, and Lymond's job has finally come to an end. Mary's life is safe, but the book leads the reader to wonder what lays in store for Mary, Lymond, and the other people of sixteenth century Europe.