Lady Julianna Devereux, Countess of Rosmar refused to marry her eight year old cousin and is sent to the court of Queen Eleanor. King Henry is on his deathbed and Stephan de Mandeville, with his father and brother Alexander, refuse to allow Henry's sons John and Richard to see him, as per the king's orders. Richard is angry with Stephan, but he appreciates his loyalty whereas John hates Stephan and goads him into a fight. Upon Henry's death, Richard becomes king and orders Stephan to London to be the captain of the Queen's guard. Stephan and Julianna meet and they have eyes only for each other. With the help of Stephan's brother, the two find their way to each other, pledge their love and speak their vows. Their marriage has yet to be sanctioned by the king when suddenly Stephan's cousin is being blackmailed. Stephan suspects Prince John is behind it as a way to destroy him and inherit parts of Julianna's wealthy holdings. Julianna gives her ring as a means to incriminate the blackmailer, then hopefully they could prevent Stephan's devastating secret from becoming known. But their worst fears become reality. The blackmailer is revealed and he tells the king Stephan's secret, which would invalidate his marriage. Stephan challenges his enemy to a fight, and his life depends on his strength and skill as a knight, not only to win his wife and marriage, but his whole future.
"The acclaimed author of The Conquered Hearts once again brings us a magnificent historical romance set against the intrigue and splendor of 12th century England...as a man and a woman discover a passion to set their hearts aflame- and a love they will battle kings and crowns to keep."