Harpist Clio Newsong can play songs that translate languages and influence emotions, but she’s never composed her own magical music. Without composing, Clio will never earn the respect, title, or compensation of a fully-fledged bard. Despite her inexperience, she scores a major gig: performing at a gala to celebrate a new peace treaty between two warring countries.

When the gala is attacked by assassins, Clio’s harp is destroyed, her duet partner and best friend is killed, and Clio finds herself responsible for the headstrong Princess Sabina, the only other survivor of the massacre. Relying on Sabina’s wits and Clio’s magic to outplay the assassins still hunting them, they must cross a hostile country to restore Sabina to her throne. As the danger around them crescendos, Clio must find her confidence and her song to prevent a war.