Summary

In twelfth-century England, St. Jude's Abbey is no ordinary sanctuary of prayer and ritual. Established by Eleanor of Aquitaine it trains young women in the knightly arts, as well as martial arts from the East. In times of trouble, these formidable women are called upon to protect the royal family and England. Avisa de Vere is one such woman...

Even behind the abbey walls, Avisa has heard of the conflict between the king and the Archbishop of Canterbury. And the queen has commanded her to keep her majesty's cherished godson, Christian Lovell, from entering the fray.

When Christian "rescues" a damsel in distress on his way to Canterbury, he has no idea the fair-haired beauty was sent to protect him. He has never before known a woman who carries her own broadsword. And when Avisa asks him to help rescue her sister, he has no choice but to follow her.

Avisa soon learns Christian is a knight of great honor and courage—and finds herself weak at his touch. Desire is a battle she was not taught to fight—and the wisest course may be surrender....