Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I, is determined to win back her crown from Stephen, the usurper king, against all odds. Adeliza, Henry's widowed queen and Matilda's stepmother, has always been on Matilda's side but now she is married to William D'Albini, a warrior of the opposition. In a world where a man's word is law, how can Adeliza obey her husband while supporting Matilda, the rightful queen?