Under the Queen's protective eye...In the halls of a conniving court...Behind Closed Doors...Manly and magnificent Count Rugar Kalisson swears vengeance on the insulting, overbearing English who hate and scorn him for his Swedish heritage--vowing to best Elizabeth's knights in contest...and her ladies in love. A sheltered English rose and a virile 'Viking' nobleman are drawn together by rapturous and reckless passion--surrendering to the forbidden ecstasy of a bold, soul-searing love that would inflame the wrath of a jealous Queen...and provoke a diplomatic scandal!