Shortlisted for the RNA Historical Romantic Novel Award

The long-awaited prequel to Elizabeth Chadwick's bestselling and beloved first novel The Wild Hunt

'Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride'

Daily Telegraph

The Welsh Borders, 1069

When Ashdyke Manor is attacked, Lady Christen is forced to witness her husband's murder and the pillaging of her lands at the hands of brutal Norman invaders.

It seems the pain is finally over when Miles Le Gallois, Lord of Milnham-on-Wye, calls off the attack. But he has Christen's brother under armed guard and a deal to offer: her brother's freedom for her hand in marriage. Christen finds herself hastily married into the enemy side, with her brother swearing his vengeance on her new husband.

Miles and Christen's precarious union invites enemies from all sides and when Miles is summoned for a lengthy campaign by the King, Christen is left to watch his lands. In the midst of war, two enemies must somehow learn to trust one another if they are to survive . . .

Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick

'An author who makes history come gloriously alive'

The Times

'Stunning . . . Her characters are beguiling, and the story is intriguing'

Barbara Erskine

'I rank Elizabeth Chadwick with such historical novelist stars as Dorothy Dunnett and Anya Seton'

Sharon Kay Penman

'Enjoyable and sensuous'

Daily Mail

'Meticulous research and strong storytelling'

Woman & Home

'A riveting read . . . A glorious adventure not to be missed!'

Candis