Publisher's Synopsis
One man's treason is another man's loyalty. The crown itself may be the traitor's prize. William Penmere dispatches his bodyguard Sir Hugh to rescue a woman claiming to be Sophie Hurstwood, the woman he was meant to marry. But with the enemy pillaging Hurshire, can Hugh reach her before Stuart Esden? The Usurper's son has been tasked with crushing dissent in Hurshire, and brings sword and fire to the earldom. Robbed of glory by being sent south instead of confronting Black Will, Stuart quenches his wrath in a bloodbath of his foes. Meanwhile, William is trapped in Norshire. Cut off from retreat and reinforcements, he must destroy an enemy far more powerful than himself, or lose his throne. And his head. Armies are mustered and cities besieged, but it's the smiler with the knife who makes the nobles tremble.
