Lost in a wager between her stepfather and the archaeologist Captain Ross Kilmarron, Stephanie Buchan is forced to marry the charismatic adventurer. Now, she must accompany him on an excursion to Arabia--and the oasis empire of a desert prince. Soon, an overwhelming passion is sparked between Stephanie and Ross, but Stephanie's cool beauty has also captivated Prince Hali Ahmed, who swears a deadly vow to make Stephanie his.