What life is there for a creature forever trapped in a cage? Such questions ring true for Isabella Heloise, illegitimate child of an abusive count who uses her as a pawn for his political ambitions. When Isabella's betrothal to an influential noble is broken off, her value within the Heloise household plummets, prompting her to flee from her father's violence. Isabella finds herself alone and destitute, only to be found by Ethan Holden, a dashing duke with a nonetheless ominous air. Can Isabella trust the handsome duke, or has she found herself in yet another cage?