Amaury de Montvieux returns home from crusade expecting change – but not that his legacy has been claimed by a neighbor, or that his sole hope of regaining his inheritance is to marry the conqueror's daughter. The maiden is known to be both plain and a shrew, but Amaury does not care: he must hold Montvieux, regardless of the price. He's never believed that love should stand in the way of matters of importance. Marriage it will be.Isabella de Marnis is not one to spurn fortune's favor. She secretly admired the handsome knight Amaury, son and heir of her father's enemy, long before he rode to crusade. She's thrilled that he will be her husband and would give him anything – but when Isabella soon realizes that Amaury's heart belongs to Montvieux alone, fears she is no more than a useful pawn.No sooner are their vows exchanged than Isabella's older brother dies in a mysterious accident. When her father is murdered, Isabella fears that those from Montvieux have taken their revenge. Captive in her ancestral home, she never expects Amaury to storm the gates to come to her aid, much less to suggest they join forces to unveil the villain. In every way, Amaury proves himself the valiant warrior of Isabella's dreams. Her own heart is lost – but when she ensures that his legacy is regained, will Amaury cast her aside forever?
