1273. The massive gates of Orrick Castle rose and an arrogant knight rode into the courtyard. It was Corbett Colchester, and he came to claim his bride - Lady Lilliana, Lord Barton's eldest daughter, whom he was promised as a girl, long before the houses of Orrick and Colchester became bitter enemies.

But the beautiful Lilliana swore on the holy crucifix that she would never lie in Colchester's bed. In a cold rage, she began a merciless war - and only then to be defeated by the gaze of living gray eyes burning with silver fire, and to feel the touch of strong hands igniting her silken skin. Undoubtedly, the true reason for Corbett's sudden desire to marry Lady Lilliana can only be court intrigue. What fate awaits Lilliana—and all of England—if she stands against him? And what darkness if she gives in... and loses either her honor or her heart?