This 17th century steamy romance is set against the backdrop of Charles Stuart's attempt to wrest England from Oliver Cromwell's clutches (1651), and ventures to that of the royal court in exile.Once renowned as the Toast of Clifton, Elizabeth Mountjoy strives to shake off rumours she was ever mistress to Charles II, for she's madly in love with Captain Thomas Thornton: a Parliamentarian Captain of Horse. Unfortunately, past betrayal haunts Thomas, and when the chance to right a wrong comes his way he once again fights for the King, but to lose his estate lands is a high price to pay for heroism in defeat. Worse, the love of his life suffers the wrath of one of Cromwell's officers, and he's finally forced to decide who must come first, wife or King? He's not alone in facing a dilemma, for the King too is forced to put his country first before his heart whilst in exile.