The King's Pleasure

Shannon Drake

pub : 1998

Set in the time of King Edward of England and King Jean of France, the story takes off on a whirl of adventure. Full of facts and treasures of history that keeps you set in the time period, the story unfolds as the Castle Aville is being seiged by King Edward.

Through the years afterward, the young lad that brought about the fall of Aville, Adrien, is the King's best fighter, and most prized knight. So only to him could he give his illegitamate daughter. The daughter that was concieved after the fall of Aville, when the mistress of the keep was taken under the king's arm, and into his bed. Though no others know of her heritage, for she takes her mothers looks, Edward knows he must see to her needs after her mother dies of the plague.

Thought to have made a vow to her mother to honor the king of France, Danielle rebels at being brought to England. She is of the house of Valois, French blood and distant cousin to King Jean!

Known for her beauty and her temper, Adrien wants nothing to do with her, especially when he already has plans for his future. But the king thinks otherwise and has him set to be betrothed to Danielle!

Neither is set to the idea and soon after the ceremony, Adrien takes off for his homeland of Scotland...for 5 years.

The fireworks between Danielle and Adrien are static at all times, though sometimes I wished one or the other would have just spoken what they were feeling and had it out! It goes along well though, keeping you wondering when is the time they finally realize the other one loves them! (as usual, huh?)