BY BATTLE OR SEDUCTION, HE VOWED TO WIN HER.

Castle Orrick's massive gates swung open, and an arrogant knight rode into the royal home of Lady Lilliane, eldest daughter of Lord Barton. Coming to claim her was Corbett of Colchester, to whom she'd been betrothed as a child, long before the houses of Orrick and Colchester had become bitter enemies.

But beautiful Lilliane swore by the holy rood that she would never lie in Colchester's bed. Cold with rage, she stared up at the ruthless warrior, only to be stunned by gray eyes alive with silver fire, and gripped by teasing hands that set her silken flesh aflame. Surely some royal intrigue lay behind Corbett's sudden desire for this marriage. What fate awaited Lilliane --- and all England --- if she resisted him? And what darker fate if she surrendered ... a loss of her honor or her proud heart?