CONSORT OF A CONQUEROR

Rupert, Prince of Estravia, besieges the capital of Fernoye, and weds Princess Rohais, who agrees to marry Rupert solely to prevent bloodshed. When the pair belatedly discovers that each holds a mistaken view of the other, both spouses come to enjoy hotly sensual, exceedingly passionate bouts of lovemaking. Because Rupert fears that this Princess raised by two cynical Princes doesnt believe in romantic love, and Rohais assumes that Rupert regards love as an illusion harbored by silly women, neither will admit to loving the other ardently.Will the deadly danger incurred when Rohais accompanies Rupert on various journeys eventually lead to their declaring their mutual love?Rupert, Prince of Estravia, a small European principality, lays siege to the castle of the Prince of Fernoye. Rupert promises to withdraw without sacking the town, in return for the hand of Princess Rohais. Rohais agrees to marry Rupert, solely to prevent bloodshed. True to his word, Rupert withdraws his army after the wedding. Regarding her new husband as an uncouth upstart, Rohais seethes as she rides sidesaddle beside the Conqueror, who leads his army to a remote military outpost. When Rupert beds his bride, he observes her ill-concealed fear, and mistakenly concludes that this lovely woman wrested from what he considers a dissolute Court must not be virgin. He takes a step that outrages Rohais, only to find that he erred badly. Stricken with shame, Rupert apologizes, and the two achieve an understanding.Having shrewdly divined that Rupert intends to confront the irate Prince Sigismund of Lansenau, to whom she had been betrothed, Rohais impresses her militant husband with her knowledge of statecraft. Her revelations enable him to forge a beneficial accord, by offering Sigismund the hand of his ward, Princess Matilda of Sarvandy, and a generous dowry. Having tended Lady Joanna, Matildas exhausted, saddle-sore-afflicted attendant, Rohais takes Joanna into her own service. That kind deed leads to Rohais obtaining the services of breathtakingly beautiful Lady Liesl as well. Both Sarvan ladies grow deeply loyal to Rohais.Even though Rohais and Rupert now enjoy hotly sensual, exceedingly passionate bouts of lovemaking each night, Rupert fears that Rohais doesnt believe in romantic love, having been raised by two cynical Princes. Rohais feels certain that Rupert regards the idea of romantic love as an illusion harbored by silly women. So neither spouse admits to loving the other ardently.When Liesl overhears the details of a treasonous plot, she informs Prince Rupert, enabling him to prevent Prince Fernand, the young, rash, lecherous, newly crowned Prince of Berencia, from storming the Free City of Meisenstricht. When Fernand levies an insupportable demand involving Lady Liesl, Rupert declares war. Rohais urges a course that arouses Ruperts ire. She grows distraught, thinking that she just lost his regard. Although angry, Rupert yet impulsively decides to act on her advice, to his great advantage. Belatedly, the royal spouses acknowledge their love for each other, only to face new, deadly danger during the dramatic resolution of an old, vexing problem.