The warring Houses of York and Lancaster have sheathed their swords, but the peace is fragile and old enmities are stirring once again as two great dukes set their sights on the crown. Amidst the political strife, Heloise Ballaster, maid-of-honour to Richard of Gloucester's duchess, and Sir Miles Rushden, friend and adviser to the Duke of Buckingham, are about to be ensnared in personal conflict as well as the deadly battle for the throne that could destroy them all. With her startling silver hair and rumors of her second sight making her unmarriageable, Heloise has endured much at her family's cruel hands. But| she suffers the ultimate humiliation when her father kidnaps Sir Miles Rushden and forces him to marry her at swordpoint. Sir Miles escapes, but Heloise is forced to seek him out and throw herself at his mercy...or otherwise be cast out penniless. A man of strong ambitions, Miles Rushden intends to become one of the powerful elite behind the king--the marriage with this upstart merchant's daughter must be annulled. He never again expects to see Heloise Ballaster, but somehow, under false identity, she works her way into Buckingham's household. She charms everyone around her, and he is certain that she cast a spell over him...else why is he finding himself so drawn to his lovely young bride? "--
