Power is now in the hands of women. It is a kinder, more benevolent society, led by hereditary regional rulers known as Tarsheens. Only being a Rememberer or a Harborer remain as capital crimes. But beneath this perfect society lies slavery -- men are reduced to menial physical labor and "reproductive necessity". It is an accepted part of the new order. Even the leader of the group opposed to slavery, the Tarsheen Miraelise, holds slaves as a "purely economic measure". Unwillingly attending a slave auction with her oldest and dearest friend, Mira is drawn into a bidding war with her lifelong foe, Dr. Victoria Keller, and Mira becomes the reluctant owner of a new slave, Robert. What begins as an "impulse purchase" blooms into something much more. Mira finds herself attracted to this handsome, mysterious man who seems able to violate all the rules and barriers that separate them. The winds of change are blowing, though, not just through Robert and Mira's growing relationship, but through society as well. Danger lurks that could destroy them both.