In 1841, Mariana Givens arrives in newly conquered Kabul with the British Army. Her heart, however, remains in Lahore where her estranged native husband Hassan lies injured. Torn between his fascinating family and her own culture, she waits to learn if he can forgive her stupid accusation of betrayal, and whether she can ever return to him and her adored stepson. Meanwhile, the British colonials enjoy the fruits of Kabul, oblivious to the seething resentment of the people they think they have quelled. This complacency will place everyone Mariana loves in grave danger, but only she sees that the Afghan leaders believe in honour above all, and when they turn against the British the suffering will be unimaginable.