1093. Beatriz de Farrera is a trobairitz (a female troubadour) at the court of Toulouse. She sings of love but intends to evade marriage and romantic entanglements. Her patron Lady Philippa is heiress to the rich city and county of Toulouse.

Philippa's uncle Raimon plans to marry his niece to the ageing king of Aragon, sweep her out of his way and usurp her rights. In a world of scheming lords and plotting abbots seeking to control the riches of local salt production and the pilgrim routes, a brutal murder occurs.

Beatriz finds she has skills other than poetry and music. She must uncover the secrets lurking beneath the glittering surface of the Toulouse court to expose the murderer and avert a great injustice.