Black as Knight (Kenard Chronicles #1‪)‬

In 1420, England and France are at war. Newly made English earl Grimme Kyneward must take a Scots noblewoman to wife to keep his lands and his life, but the one he needs is not available. What does a knight do when he cannot have the woman he wants? He snatches her, of course.


Never mind that Lady Brighde Faileach is the wrong bride; she has her own reasons for wanting to marry the first earl who plucks her out of her wedding just before being forced to say "I do." That the earl has a deep and abiding aversion to brunettes is convenient for her, and the fact that he is also in need of a castellain to run his household, which is in shambles, is even better.


She is fully aware that a man in need of a noble wife will also be in need of legitimate heirs, but she readily agrees to it, freeing her from her father and fiance forever, and giving her power to rule his household, which includes any and all mistresses and the four bastards amongst them.


Grimme has no desire to bed Brighde, but he must have a legitimate heir. Brighde has no need to bed Grimme, but she's absolutely certain she'll enjoy the experience. And on the journey back to his lands, Grimme and Brighde forge a friendship Grimme is certain will last forever...


...but for Grimme's ravenous liege who covets everything Grimme loves and will do anything to get it.