Showing results by author "Anna Belfrage" in All Categories

Adam de Guirande has barely survived the aftermath of Roger Mortimer's rebellion in 1321. When Mortimer manages to escape the Tower and flee to France, anyone who has ever served Mortimer becomes a potential traitor - at least in the eyes of King Edward II and his royal chancellor, Hugh Despenser. Adam must conduct a careful balancing act to keep himself and his family alive. Fortunately, he has two formidable allies: Queen Isabella and his wife, Kit.

Adam de Guirande has cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him. Hugh Despenser is dead, and Edward II is forced to abdicate in favor of his young son. It is time to look forward to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council, heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over. England, in the early months of 1327, is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope toward the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule.

After Henry of Lancaster's rebellion has been crushed, a restless peace settles over England. But the young Edward III is no longer content with being his regents' puppet, and soon enough Adam is torn between his loyalty to the young king - and that to his former lord, Roger Mortimer, now co-regent and effective ruler of England. Edward III is growing up fast. He resents the power of Mortimer and his mother, Queen Isabella. His regents show little inclination of handing over their power to him, the rightful king, and Edward suspects they never will unless he forces their hand.

Robert’s half brother, Eustace de Lamont, has not mellowed during his absence. He is more ruthless than ever, and this time he targets Robert’s and Noor’s foster son, Lionel. Lionel is serving King Edward as a page when Eustace appears at court. Not only does Lionel become the horrified witness to Eustace’s violent streak, Eustace also starts voicing his suspicions about Lionel’s parentage. The truth about Lionel’s heritage is explosive—should King Edward find out, all would be lost for Robert and Noor.

Safely returned from an involuntary stay in Virginia, Matthew Graham finds the Scottish Lowlands torn asunder by religious strife. His Restored Majesty, Charles II, requires all his subjects to swear fealty to him and the Church of England, riding roughshod over any opposition. In Ayrshire, people close ranks around their evicted Presbyterian ministers. But disobedience comes at a high price, and Alex becomes increasingly nervous as to what her Matthew is risking by his support of the clandestine ministers—foremost amongst them the charismatic Sandy Peden.