The Earl of Kenloch is the king's Black Dragon, his fiercest, most loyal knight. When Kenloch is ordered to marry the daughter of a baron, he seethes, but is forced to obey. However, he chooses the baron's beautiful older daughter Johanna instead of the vain, selfish golden Juliana. It is a love match from the beginning, but they constantly fight the king's demands that Kenloch leave his growing family and return to court -- to play and dance attendance on the spoiled king. It is a constant battle of wills between their wishes and the king's demands. The king threatens to take back Kenloch's titles and lands, if his demands are not met. Kenloch's turmoil grieves Johanna as she is forced to watch him return to court again and again, leaving her with her growing family but not the man she loves and needs.