Rodair. The surrounding villagers whisper that the real father of White's second son is the devil himself, and they call this gloomy and handsome knight Dare the Devil. Branded by his father's undeserved and unfair contempt, the rebellious Dare leaves England. Returning to White to claim his birthright, he risks his honor to taste the sweetness of the kiss and the soft silken skin of Alice, his forbidden love.Alice. Her father inspired her that the sparkling splendor of her hair should be hidden under a cap, and her independent spirit should be humbled. She is promised as a wife to a boy, still a child, whom she has never seen, and must lead the life of a girl-bride. But Dare has managed to light a fire in her blood and captured her heart, and virtue becomes the price she pays for his kiss. When the gates of White Castle swing open and the thunder of horseshoes approaches, Rodair and his wife rush towards the inarticulate whispers and the hot glow of pleasure.