THERE WERE WORSE THINGS than to be shackled in marriage to a handsome, powerful lord who desired her-but Marguerite of Alencon was bred to be consort to a king and could not abide her fate. She had great power as Henry Plantagenet's mistress, and to be set aside and promised as a bride to noble Orrick of Silloth was an insult she could not bear. . . !Orrick knew his reluctant bride was a creature of the court with many secrets. And yet, Marguerite of Alencon would make him a perfect partner-accomplished and gracious, a true Lady of the Keep-if only she could release her turbulent past and embrace a passionate future. . . in his arms!