Whispered secrets about her parents' past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush. Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents' tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen forbid her quest, however, so when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks onto the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.