I read this book when it first came out and have reread it multiple times. I love the well-researched setting and insights into historical figures. The main characters are well-written and realistically portrayed for their times. The author did a skillful job weaving fact and fiction, creating a story that has kept me coming back to it year after year.

Alinor is the sixteen-year-old heiress of the vast lands of the Sire of Roselynde. She is bold, beautiful, confident, and unwilling to cede her rights to any man. After her parents' deaths when she was a child, her grandparents (The Sword and the Swan) raised her. Lord Rannulf taught her how to care for the land and lead those under her, while Lady Catherine guided her in caring for the people. When Lord Rannulf dies (after an incredibly long life for the period), Alinor is unmarried and, therefore, a rich prize for any man who can take her. Her situation comes to the attention of Queen Alinor, who ensures that Alinor becomes a ward of King Richard, a method of protecting her. The book opens as the Queen arrives to visit Alinor and Roselynde, and the opening scenes are vividly described. Here, Alinor learns the Queen's right-hand man, Sir Simon, will become her warden to protect her and her lands in the King's name.

Simon is a knight who has been the Queen's man for many years and fulfilled many roles. He is a king's justiciar, as a younger man, he spent time as Prince Richard's shield bearer (protector) and most recently was the one sent to release the Queen from the confinement imposed by the late King Henry II. He is an experienced warrior in his forties and well-versed in Court intrigues and behaviors.

I loved the first encounter between Alinor and Simon. He is struck dumb by her beauty, while Alinor looks at him as the Queen's man. But Fate, and the Queen, have a twist in store for them. The Queen is unwilling to leave Alinor unprotected and must ensure the King receives the funds earned from Roselynde's lands, so she assigns Simon to be Alinor's warden. Simon is not exactly happy about this assignment, believing it to be more punishment than reward. Alinor is angry and worried that Simon will strip her lands to help the King. He has no idea how deeply involved she is in managing everything to do with her properties, and his investigations do nothing to make him believe that everything is okay. I always laugh at his reaction to "my lady's book" and the disaster he thinks it holds. The confrontation with Alinor is hilarious and eye-opening for Simon, and it is also the beginning of the volatile relationship between them.

The chemistry between Simon and Alinor is undeniable, but they are also trapped in the reality of their time. As an heiress and King's ward, Alinor is a pawn awaiting her turn to be given in a marriage that will add to someone's power. Simon is not a noble and has no real wealth or power of his own. But Alinor is determined to have the man she wants and will do whatever is necessary to make it happen.

The action moves from Roselynde to the King's Court, where Alinor works her wiles to get what she wants. Going from an active life to being a court member is a recipe for disaster, and she draws her share of unwanted attention. Alinor is quick-witted, and I loved how she used those wits to change her situation. The scenes of her work with the Queen were great, and her stolen moments with Simon showed their longing to be together. There's a bit of miscommunication when Simon's honor runs up against Alinor's misunderstanding of something the Queen says. I loved seeing Alinor's satisfaction with her work and the difference it made to her time at court.

Significant changes are ahead when King Richard announces his plans to go on Crusade. The politics involved were fascinating, both in what it meant for the Crusaders and those left in England. After some political wrangling, Simon commits to going with Richard, and Alinor accompanies the Queen, who will collect Richard's bride-to-be and deliver her for the wedding. The trip's details were fascinating and gave a vivid picture of the conditions and activities. The Queen and her party, including Alinor, follow Richard to the Holy Land.

The ins and outs of the fighting and the royals' personalities created many edge-of-the-seat situations. Simon and Alinor possess a dangerous secret that puts them both at risk. Through it all, their love never falters, nor does their determination to find a way to marry. Though they get their wish, the circumstances are less than ideal and make for an awkward wedding ceremony.

Even with their long-desired arrival back in England, their troubles are still ongoing. Unaware of her marriage, others have plans to cement alliances using Alinor, and her resistance is not well-received. The consequences put both her and Simon in danger. I loved Simon's solution, and seeing his plan carried out was great fun.

I love the characters in this book. Alinor has an unusual, but not unheard of, upbringing, which frequently puts her at odds with those around her. She is strong-willed and stubborn, sometimes getting her in hot water with authority figures. She can be manipulative in pursuit of her goals, but always with the best intentions. I loved her clear vision regarding other characters and their personalities, motives, and failings. There were plenty of scenes of Alinor's interactions with people, some impressive in their forcefulness.

Simon is written accurately for a man of his time, which can make things a little uncomfortable for modern sensitivities. Overall, though, he is a man whose honor is a huge part of who he is. As much as he desires Alinor, he refuses to do anything underhanded to gain her hand in marriage. His interactions with Alinor can be sweet or explosive, as she frequently tries his patience. He is an experienced knight who relates well to Alinor's vassals and castellans and quickly earns their respect. He is respected by King Richard and the Queen also, which pays off for him in the end. ( )