When the grim Lord de Tulley bequests his legacy to his niece and decides to arrange her marriage, the maiden in question knows that no man of sense will decline such a rich prize of a bride. Her jest, undertaken to ensure her survival and ease an old man's loneliness, has become deadly serious. To Heloise's dismay, Tulley chooses Lothair the Viking as his successor. Lothair is unlike the other knights in his company-just as powerful and decisive as his fellows, quiet Lothair is also perceptive. His very presence makes Heloise's heart flutter and not just because she fears he will uncover her deepest secret. A man of honor like Lothair can only reveal the truth to Tulley and Heloise dreads the result. Can she charm her taciturn betrothed for the greater good?A warrior and a healer, Lothair is accustomed to being caught between objectives. Still, experience has not prepared him for the temptation of Lady Heloise, the beautiful niece of his overlord. The maiden's very presence steals his wits and renders him mute, while her barest glance fills his heart with wild yearning.When Lothair discovers that Heloise is not the maiden she pretends to be, he is once again snared-between honor and duty, his dawning love for his new wife, and the lady's determination to keep her secret. Can he dare to trust the woman who has stolen his heart, or is he just a willing pawn to his lady? Can Heloise trust the knight who swears to defend her forever instead of fleeing-or will her past demand its due from both of them first?