Severin of Langthorne returns to his family's estate in England from the Holy Land in 1277 to find his father and elder brother dead, his mother demented, the lands devastated. He is the new Baron Louges, but his title is empty and he knows it. --Hastings of Trent is the heiress of Oxborough. Her dying father, Fawke of Trent, Earl of Oxborough, selects Severin to wed his daughter and assume the title, properties, and possessions. It is Severin's duty to protect his holdings, stay on King Edward's good side, and breed children, thus bringing strong blood to the line to keep Oxborough powerful.