Nagasaki, 1648: Temperance Marston longs to escape England and explore the exotic empire of Japan. When offered the chance to accompany her cousin and Captain Noordholt on an expedition to Nagasaki, she jumps at the opportunity. On a foolhardy venture she meets Kazuo.
Kazuo is fascinated by her blonde hair and blue eyes, but he has a mission to complete: Kazuo must restore his family's honour. But when Temperance is kidnapped, he has to make a decision – can he save her and keep the promise he made to his father?
