As the rest of the city awaits the glorious return of Sir Nicholas Troup, Alexander, his youngest brother, battles with the dread that always comes when his siblings return home. As the children of the high Lord Troup, the fief comes first and family comes second. Secrets are kept and lies are told without pause, and this time Alexander has reason to fear for his life. Nicholas has been abusing Alexander for as long as he can remember, but as the time between visits lengthen, the bruises become breaks, and scratches become gashes, a sick and untameable love driving Nicholas to do unspeakable things. Now, Alexander fears for his life as an ugly secret is revealed, a secret that no one can survive. Will people stop turning a blind eye in time to save him, or will they continue to side with the sadist that needs him dead?