Corie is the illegitimate child of a powerful noble who divides her time between her peasant life, learning herb-lore, and a life at court wearing beautiful gowns and learning heraldry. She is meant to be a pawn, moved about at the Regent's will. Her half-sister, the legitimate daughter of her father, is betrothed to the crown prince - which should be a good thing, but is not. As Corie comes to learn more about the politics and intrigues of the Auburn Court, the slavery of the fae race, and her own unwillingness to go along with everyone's plans for her, there are decisions she must make that could tear her from the royal world or the peasant life she loves.

I really enjoyed this story. It was well-written, easy to lose myself in (while on cold medicine, which is pretty amazing), and I liked the realistic immaturity the protagonist starts the book with and ends up being a lot smarter and more observant by the end. My favorite books always allow the character to grow. Great book.