The Conquest

Adelstan Cawdor has known a life of struggle. Born into Saxon royalty, he watched his parents be slaughtered by a greedy Norman mercenary, and lost his birthright as heir to Braemere, one of the finest estates in all of England. Put into servitude along with his twin, and held for treason for killing his parents' murderer, Adelstan is saved only because Baron de Wulf has fallen in love with Adelstan's twin sister. DeWulf, who now holds Braemere, pleads King William for Adelstan's release...if Adelstan will pledge his allegiance to King William. Adelstan agrees and quickly rises through the ranks, and becomes a coveted soldier and Braemere's sergeant-at-arms.

When Adelstan is awarded the fief of Almeron and the hand of Rhiannon MacKay for years of faithful service to King William, he is anxious to start a new life...until King William changes his mind and gives Castle Almeron and Rhiannon to the aging Baron FitzGibbon, a dear friend of the king. With the promise of titles, lands, and a bride, King William sends Adelstan to Scotland to escort Rhiannon to Almeron for the ailing FitzGibbon.

Rhiannon MacKay, daughter of the wealthy laird of Clan MacKay, always knew she would one day be married to someone of her father's choosing. When Adelstan arrives, she mistakes him for her intended, and knows a moment of true exultation...until her father quickly brings her back to earth and announces that Adelstan is merely her escort, and that her husband is awaiting her in Almeron.

The last thing Adelstan expects is to find himself falling in love with the headstrong Rhiannon. Trapped in an impossible situation, he must decide between his duty to his king, or to follow his heart...even if it means his ruin.

THE CONQUEST is a historical romance meant for mature readers (18+ years-old), and is the follow-up novel to THE BARGAIN.