When Olena, nubile and much-appreciated guest at the secretive flagellant community that is the Private House, is kidnapped, Supreme Mistress Jem Darke and her lover Julia, chief of the guards, are unusually at a loss as to what to do. But Talia, the fey, submissive but resourceful leader of the forest people, who live a bucolic but perverted life on the House's large estate, has evidence that leads to Madame la Patronne, Jem's rival in the arts of dominance. Jem, Julia, Talia and her lover Anne agree a plan of pursuit. Their actions lead them straight into deep sexual waters: how far will they be required to submit to Madame la Patronne, whose imperious sexuality knows no limits. And even if their tormented odyssey brings them to Oleana, will she even want to return?