She wants to escape from the control of her guardian but becomes the prisoner of her destiny.

She is totally ignorant of the 14th century world into which she emerges. She is however a fast learner and uses every experience to influence future thinking.

The Cathar “Transition” by which young Cathars are given practical experience in how to give and recieve pleasure has left her emotionally scarred. For Ximene sexual activity has became pure pleasure, totally divorced from love. She learns that the pleasures of sex can therefore be used to manipulate others to comply with her wishes.

However she has an innocent view that the “right man” can both protect her and help her fulfil her destiny.

She finds such a man in John Stanley, one of the Black Prince’s personal bodyguards who she sees as someone with the potential to become the Perfect Knight.