Publisher's Synopsis
As the only sister of Jarl Roald Blood Axe, Lady Runa is expected to do her duty and choose a husband from among the five noblemen her brother has invited to a feast in her honor. An advantageous marriage means a new alliance for her family. Runa has other plans though, including a lifelong dream to join the temple maidens where she can serve Odin and the other gods.Captain Thorolf is the most respected man in Jarl Roald's personal guard. Tasked with safeguarding the beautiful Lady Runa, he works hard to keep the obstinate girl out of trouble. But every time he thinks she's ready to accept her fate, Runa finds another way to disobey her brother, which forces Thorolf to cover up her mistakes.When an uninvited guest shows up at the feast and insults Runa's family, she immediately takes matters into her own hands and threatens the intruder with a knife. Thorolf responds quickly, but Runa has gone too far. She's embarrassed the only son of a neighboring jarl.In retaliation for her bad behavior, Roald gives her an ultimatum. Choose a husband now or he will marry her off to the most decrepit lord in the farthest reaches of Norway he can find.Under advisement from Captain Thorolf, Runa asks permission to visit the home of one of her suitors so she can get to know him better before she decides if he's a worthy candidate for marriage.However, Runa has no intention of marrying anyone. In fact, she's secretly infatuated with Thorolf. But nothing can ever come of it.Jarl Roald reluctantly agrees to let her go, but sends Thorolf along as his eyes and ears.On the road to the north country, Runa's party is attacked, leaving many dead and Captain Thorolf missing.Runa escapes the violence and seeks assistance from the high priest at the temple.Reunited with Captain Thorolf, Runa realizes she can longer hide her feelings for him. What they find is mutual admiration and an attraction that could cost them both dearly.Will Thorolf risk everything he's worked so hard to accomplish for the love of a forbidden woman? Will Runa once again defy her brother and take a chance on true love?
