Set in the wake of the disastrous Seventh Crusade, THE DARK CRUSADER is a tale of passions, betrayals, blood-soaked battles...and an overwhelming love. DESTINY CALLS Battle-weary, defeated, and dulled, a band of hardened knights retreats through Egypt. Blistering heat curses each day while nights are spent slinking across desert desolation. Each step takes them closer to a coast and freedom. And then, without warning, they come across a lightly guarded summer palace. A MAN DESPERATE FOR PENANCE Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurst is a king's earl; landed, lauded, feted. He joined this crusade with one goal: penance. He's driven. Heartless. Soulless. Never before has he tasted defeat. It sits like a stone in his belly. Ever chafing. Ever reminding. Taking and plundering the palace does more than feed his need for vengeance. It gains him... A WOMAN WILLING TO RISK EVERYTHING Taken in childhood and locked away in the harem, Cassandra has one goal – escape. She is out of time. She recently caught the sultan's eye. She'd rather die than become a palace plaything. A surprise raid on the palace wasn't in her plans, but it's perfect. She's wearing her most stunning jewelry, her escape route is already planned and paid for. All she has to do is bargain with a dark knight...who hates women.