1593, Scotland. King James VI launches a bloody witch hunt across the length and breadth of the country to rid the land of evil. But they are already within his court. Disguised as a lady-in-waiting, Elspet Balfour has been sent from Orkney to serve the Queen Anna of Denmark, the witch-hunting king's new bride, at court in Edinburgh. For Anna is pregnant and, against her husband's decree, wishes for her highly anticipated baby to remain with her after birth. She seeks a binding spell from Elspet, a 'spae wife', a wise woman and herbalist, to protect her unborn child. While Elspet struggles to keep her identity secret in a court that wishes her dead, another woman seeks her aid - Kitty Muirhead, unwed and impoverished, desperate to rid herself of her burdens past and present. Kitty and the queen could not be more different, but they may yet be each other's salvation. They must concoct a plan to save one another.
