Samantha James's complex characters bring 13th-century dilemmas to life. During the darkest days of Bad King John's rule, the barons of England hoped to seize power for themselves, leaving the common people to suffer cruel taxes and endless turmoil. In the midst of this fear and oppression, Lady Gillian's father attempts regicide - and fails. Hiding in a cottage in the wilds of Cornwall, Gillian offers aid to a shipwrecked man, grateful for the company of another lost soul - even one with no memory of anything except his name. But, as Gillian's gentle touches heal his wounds and soothe his soul, Gareth's mind begins to clear. He remembers that his king has ordered him to kill this woman he has come to love. To slay Gillian is both murder and betrayal, but to spare her life is a treason that will abandon another innocent to the vengeance of a merciless king. What is an honorable man to do?