JonesBrehony

With a simple twist of fate, a vulnerable young woman is unwillingly thrust into a struggle for power, caught between an evil destructive duke and a handsome but withdrawn king.  From the harsh palace kitchens to the glittering bedchambers above, beautiful Catherine fights for survival amid danger and intrigue.

Brooding King Stefan keeps to his rooms held captive by tortured memories: exactly how did his young wife die; why can he let no one close to him not even his mentor, the very old Count Vancort?  At the other end of the palace Richard, Duke of Egravia, spins a web of betrayal and deceit plotting to steal the throne he believes is rightfully his.  Having gained control over the inexperienced young prince by offering to tutor him in the ways of kingship, the Duke continues his devious scheme by trying to seduce Marie, the Prince’s wife.

With both parents dead and no family to take care of her, Catherine, alone and abandoned grasps at the only work she can find - a scullery maid in the depths of the palace kitchens.  Duke Richard, seizing an opportunity to use Catherine as the butt of his ridicule, inadvertently sets the stage for a royal romance.   As she and the solitary king are driven together by circumstance, the Duke’s plot begins to unravel.  Horrified, Richard watches as the King, awakened to life by Catherine, regains his power.  Frantically, Richard succeeds in seducing Marie then lures her into his plot to kill Stefan and implicate Catherine.  One slice of a saddle strap, the King alive but severely injured and Catherine locked in the dungeon awaiting death, questions arise: why did Catherine’s mother kill herself so long ago; who was the mysterious nobleman who had a part in it; what secret sorrow tortures the King; what is the real connection between Richard and Princess Marie?

As Catherine struggles for her life and King Stefan confronts his memories, the young Prince draws upon his inner strength and the wisdom of the ancient Count Vancort to save the throne.