The year is 1893, and war is brewing in the First American Kingdom. Claire Emerson's father is a sought-after inventor, but he believes his genius is a gift granted to him by his daughter's touch, so he keeps Claire under his control. As their province prepares for war Claire plans to escape, even as her best friend, Beatrix, tries to convince her to stay and help with the growing resistance movement that wants to see a woman on the throne. When her father's weapon fails to fire on the World's Fair's opening day, Claire is taken captive by Governor Remy Duchamp, St. Cloud's young, untried ruler. Remy believes that Claire's touch bestows graces he's never had, and with political rivals planning his demise, Claire might be his only ally.