A novel set in the period of the reign of Gruffudd ap Llywelyn (1039-63), a violent, determined man who became the undisputed king of all Wales. The story follows the life of Elen who, against her will, becomes embroiled with that of this most powerful of Welsh kings at his capital in Rhuddlan.

Gwenllian was Owain Glyndŵr's daughter. Her life was tied to the ebb and flow of her father's war and this novel is based on poems written by Lewis Glyn Cothi, Llawdden and Ieuan Gyfannedd.