A recent graduate of England's most exclusive-and unusual-boarding school, Lady Portia Blythe has been accepted into the Praetorienne-though not without reservations from those who head the queen's all-female secret guard. Determined to prove herself as part of Queen Victoria's protection detail on a diplomatic mission to Constantinople, Portia stumbles into a secret arms auction. She discovers Jack Harding working a case, and he joins her in uncovering the purveyors of this devastating weaponry as well as a sinister plot to assassinate the queen and start a war.

With trouble at every turn, Portia draws on her training, marvelous gadgets, and her courage. Though troubled by self-doubt, she protects the royal entourage, leads their flight across Europe, and thwarts assignation attempts. She must trust in allies-former and new-and her prayers for God's help to escape the threats, prevent full-blown war, and safely escort the queen home for her coronation.