Esperance

With his clan's welfare threatened by raiding parties during a harsh winter, Jareth rides to demand restitution from the neighboring first lord, not knowing he will meet the woman of his dreams. Taking her as part of the spoils, he hopes to make her his first lady, not realizing she is the daughter of the first lord. Tensions escalate between the two clans over this beautiful and fiery woman he must make his own. Viviane, a young widow, is praying for an answer as she struggles to survive on her own after her husband's death. The other option is to move back home with her father, First Lord Herrick, of Clan Brannach. She is desperate for another option, for as the youngest daughter of the house, she can never be her own person there. Her prayers are answered when Jareth comes seeking justice for crimes against her clan. Hiding her true identity, she hopes to make a break with her past when she is chosen as part of the spoils. Imagine her dismay when she discovers Jareth hopes to make her first lady of his clan.