Charlotte Lamb's passionate and thrilling account of the life and loves of one of Europe's most infamous medieval queens, Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Henry turned slowly as Eleanor entered the great hall. His grey eyes widened, fixed on her. Spring like in white and green, her slender body swaying as she walked, she came toward him, hands outstretched.

He had hoped for a private meeting, hungry to touch and kiss her. He sprang forward and caught her hands, drew them close in a fierce clasp, looking into her eyes.

"Lady, I have come to claim your promise." His voice was husky.

Everyone in the hall stood staring, ears pricked, half doubting their own senses. The two had kept their secret well. They could not hope to hide it a second longer. No man who had seen their eyes meet, their hands cling, could doubt for more than a moment that these were bound lovers claiming each other.