Before Anne Boleyn stole the heart of a king and demanded marriage, another woman strove to wed an already married king of England. This is the story of Elfrida, who would become the first crowned Queen of England.

Lady Elfrida is Queen of England, her husband enamoured of her, and her supporters many and varied. But the queen finds herself caught up in terse political intrigues, as England is threatened both from external Viking raider attack and internally from restless factionalism at Court, aggravated by questions about who will rule after the king.

Even when she has accomplished all that she can for the king, a tragedy robs her of her joy and influence, and once more she must toil to retain her position as the first Queen of England and mother to the king's heir.