A favorite of the King, Erik sees no problem when he is overcome with desire for the King’s daughter Bera.  Forgetting that he recently fell into a pile of manure and reeks, he pursues her but is rebuffed publicly.  But Erik gets what he wants, and he wants Bera.

Already being forced to choose between two brutes who have asked for her hand, Bera is appalled when a man who stinks to high heaven asks for her hand as well.  After publicly denying his request, she feels safe.  But when she is grabbed from behind, the stench gives away the identity of her captor.  Her life is about to change.

Convinced Bera is the one for him, Erik makes a strategical error in abducting her and not letting her in on the little secret that he doesn’t always stink.  First impressions are vanquished when Bera comes across Erik bathing himself and she finds herself drawn to the real man.  Once the misunderstanding is out of the way, the developing romance is sweet and spicy.  Once the lovers come to terms, they face the danger of her father’s wrath and that of her two previous suitors.  A glimpse into a long ago era where savagery and might determined the winner in everything from cards to a kingdom, I look forward to the sequel that is hinted at concerning Bera’s sister and Erik’s brother.