***A steamy medieval romance*** He wishes to prove himself... Marc�n of Clonascra comes from the direct line of King Brian Boru. His prowess as a warrior is as legendary as his sire's and has earned him great respect from everyone but Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. Between her meddlesome mother's branding him as a pagan Seer with no regard for the danger that creates for him, and Astrid's total disregard of him, he finds solace as the King's protector and confidant. She is desperate to escape... Astrid is at the mercy of her brother, the powerful King Diarmuid, and he alone will decide when and to whom she will wed. Encouraged by her overbearing mother, she manipulates events to gain acceptance into a neighboring clan. Although the man she approaches reveals his dishonorable intent, her mother has her own ambitions and pushes her toward him anyway. The result of her devious actions opens Astrid's eyes to the truths around her. She must choose between honor and deception, good and evil, and bear the consequences.