'It is England, 1159 and Lady Evelin knows the people of Trescothic Estate look to her for their livelihood. And they have a problem.
'The powerful Baron of Ramsgate wants all that is theirs and more.
'Evelin turns to her cousin, King Henry II. Not for the first time, the King commands the modest northern estate do his bidding in return. This time, as always it involves great personal risk. And on the estate, nobles and peasants alike make similar sacrifices in the defence of their land and homes.
'There is no barrier for Ramsgate’s machinations: fire, theft, intimidation, kidnapping and rape. He has a Spanish ally whose motives, Evelin suspects, are more complicated than is first evident. It is disconcerting enough that his dark gaze rests upon her with alarming regularity, not least for her unbidden response, but it his infiltration of her family that causes the greater concern.
'For Evelin and young Tom keep a secret; one which inexplicably entwines them more closely than siblings. Together, they have proven Ramsgate’s nemesis but should he guess their secret, everything and everyone they hold dear will be at risk and their lives forfeit.
'Before that can happen, Evelin brokers a truce with Fernandez, much to the chagrin of his former ally. As Ramsgate’s forays intensify, Evelin and Tom take greater risks, countering with every scheme, every hurdle they can throw in the baron’s way.
'But when Ramsgate defies the king and lays siege to Trescothic Castle, Evelin realises that time is in short supply.' (Publisher's blurb)
