In a country protected from invasion by a vicious, magical sea, a customs agent's longing for illegal magic may destroy her career, her friendships, her family, and her entire nation. Lucy Trenton, a distant member of the royal Rampling family, becomes embroiled in blackmail and treason. Her only hope for escape lies in the rogue ship captain, Marten Thorpe. But Marten has dangerous secrets of his own . . .