Bjorn, bastard of Vellefold, goes home to save the father who exiled him. If he defeats his father’s enemies, the jarl’s torque is his. He’ll win just to let the ringfort burn—except the fair and learned Ilsa sees right through him and dares to warm his icy heart. Ilsa prefers the quiet world of foreign scrolls, but she remembers the rough and tumble boy Bjorn once was. Now he’s a fierce fighter, upsetting her with soul-deep kisses. Even worse, Bjorn uncovers her nighttime secret of helping Vellefold’s thralls in their bid for freedom.

The Viking maid befuddles Bjorn, yielding softly one moment, standing toe to toe with him the next. He has plenty of trouble on his hands. Deceived and outnumbered, he’s leading the Forgotten Sons in a losing battle. When the darkest hour comes, the once rejected warrior must decide—surrender his heart and his sword—or lose a love worth more than all the kingdoms of the world.