The first book in new author Margaret Mallory’s All the King’s Men trilogy introduces us to William FitzAlan and Lady Catherine Rayburn. This is a series I’m reading because my book club is reading the third book for our June meeting, and I believe book series should be read in the proper order.

Lady Catherine has just betrayed her husband by reporting his traitorous efforts against the king and as a reward for stopping Lord Rayburn’s attempt to overthrow the King of England, William FitzAlan has been given Lord Rayburn’s land and Ross Castle. Plus he gets to decide the fate of Lady Catherine – he can marry her that day or send her to the Tower in London, where she will most certainly be killed.

FitzAlan has been given this choice because the Lady is a childhood friend of the kings’ son and the Prince Henry has convinced his father that Lady Catherine is loyal to the crown and not involved in the Welsh rebellion.

Lord Rayburn was abusive and it’s has had a terrible effect on Lady Catherine’s ability to fully accept her new husband. FitzAlan will not force himself upon his new wife and has fallen for her young son, Jamie. He looks forward to creating a family with Lady Catherine – if only he can get her to accept him I her bed.

And, while FitzAlan has to fight the enemies outside the castle, he also has an enemy within the castle and it’s someone who he has brought with him to the castle. Plus, he questions his wife’s relationship with Prince Harry, her childhood friend.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The details about what was expected of a wife in early 15th Century England – such as married women should never let their hair be seen. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books.