London, 1189. After proving himself on the field of battle, Ramon de Segrave is appointed to the Council of Barons by Richard the Lionheart. But instead of taking his most formidable warrior on his latest Crusade, the king assigns Ramon an even more dangerous task-woo and win the Lady of Thistle Keep. Isabel of Camoys is a capable widow with no intention of surrendering her valuable estate on the Welsh border. She's fought long and hard for her independence, and if the price is loneliness, then so be it. But when her land is threatened, Isabel reluctantly agrees to allow Ramon and his army to defend the keep-knowing that the price may very well be her heart.