The Damask Rose

''You lay hands on a princess of the realm? It is treason.''

''But this princess disobeys her King. Treason indeed.''

''Fascinating . . . Brings to life one of the most determinedand remarkable queens of the medieval world'' K. J. MAITLAND, author of The Drowned City

''Completely engrossed me from the start . . . A wonderful read'' NICOLA CORNICK, author of The Forgotten Sister

1266. Eleanor of Castile, adored wife of the Crown Prince of England, is still only a princess when she is held hostage in the brutal Baron''s Rebellion, and her baby daughter dies. Scarred by privation, a bitter Eleanor swears revenge on those who would harm her family - and vows never to let herself be vulnerable again.

As she rises to become Queen, Eleanor keeps Olwen - a trusted herbalist, who tried to save her daughter - by her side. But it is dangerous to be friendless in a royal household, and as the court sets out on crusade, Olwen and Eleanor discover that the true battle for Europe may not be a matter of swords and lances, but one fanned by whispers and spies . . .

''Vibrant, enticing and with fascinating detail. . . . It held me gripped from beginning to end'' ALEXANDRA WALSH, author of The Marquess House Trilogy

''Excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey . . . Great storytelling and superb research'' JANE JOHNSON, author of Court of Lions

''Shines a true light on the gripping tale of Eleanor of Castile, the love of Edward I''s life'' SARA COCKERILL, author of Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France and England, Mother of Empires

''Pulls from the pages of history Eleanor of Castile: queen, business woman and true partner to one of England''s mostforcefulkings'' CRYSSA BAZOS, author of Severed Knot