Unexpected Circumstances Series

In a bold political move, Sir Branford claims a handmaid as his bride instead of the expected princess in an attempt to spark a war.  Poor Alexandra knows little of how to behave as the wife of a future king and knows nothing of the man who is suddenly her husband. Alexandra knows she is being used as a pawn and must do her best to avoid scheming noblewomen and the scorned princess, accept her position as her husband ascends to the throne, and overcome her fears of the man with whom she now shares a bed. Sir Branford is determined to have it all – the kingdom, a wife of his choosing, and the revenge he seeks for the death of his father.  He doesn't expect the naïve handmaid to become more important than he ever could have foreseen.

As Alexandra tries to conform to her new life, she soon discovers that betrayal lies inside the castle walls.  When noblewomen plot against her, Alexandra ends up on the receiving end of Branford’s rage.  Earning the trust of her wary husband will be no easy task for the young handmaid. Branford may know his way around their bedchamber, but he’s finding himself ill-prepared to handle the duties of both prince and husband.  His missteps bring down the wrath of the queen, and he will have to do everything in his power to atone for his transgressions.  Branford must find a way to open his heart to his new wife if either of them has a chance of overcoming the treachery ahead.

With steady patience, Sir Branford teaches his young wife the pleasures to be found in their marital chambers.  Though still unsure of herself, Alexandra begins to open herself to the possibilities and opportunities of her new life.  As Branford expresses his desire to have more than a marriage of political contrivance, Alexandra finds facets of her new husband that promise protection, loyalty, and maybe even love.  As she gains a deeper understanding of her husband, Alexandra soon discovers there is more to being Sir Branford’s wife than sharing his bed.  Queen Sunniva had told her to be “noble of heart,” and when the lives of aristocrats rest in Alexandra’s hands, she finally begins to understand the importance of her position in the court and in her husband’s life.  Soon, Branford begins to appreciate how valuable a gift Alexandra is to his kingdom.

As the bond between Alexandra and Branford deepens, they each have their hopes for the future. Branford aspires to lead his kingdom with both wisdom and a firm hand while Alexandra fervently wishes to give her husband an heir.  As Alexandra learns to embrace her noble role, she finds friendship with the girl she rescued from an abusive owner.  It seems as though their lives have finally rewarded them with the happiness they have sought.  But happiness comes at a price, for war is on the horizon. The neighboring kingdom of Hadebrand has amassed an army, and against insurmountable odds, Branford must lead the fight for his people.  Alexandra is terrified but cannot let her fear show for she must serve as an example to their kingdom. The war must eventually end, but there is only one thing on Branford’s mind—to continue the royal lineage. But how will Alexandra overcome her heartache when she can’t give her husband the one thing he must have?

Royalty requires sacrifice. As King Camden’s health declines, the need for an heir becomes crucial, impossible to ignore.  With no other viable choice, Alexandra must stand stoically by when Hadley comes to the court of Silverhelm as Branford’s concubine.   The queen’s edict of duty echoes through Alexandra’s mind as she accepts the loathsome conditions for the sake of the kingdom.  The only person more devastated by the circumstances is Branford himself. As Branford spurns Alexandra’s affections and King Edgar continues to press his post-war advantage, all seems lost to the young couple.  Treachery still lies deep within the castle of Silverhelm, and the revelation of the traitor will come from the least likely of sources.

With two traitors removed from their midst, Branford and Alexandra rekindle their faith in one another.  Branford insists on remaining at Alexandra’s side at all times to protect her as he rallies his allies against King Edgar and the kingdom of Hadebrand. Alexandra’s grace and humility continue to touch the hearts of the people of Silverhelm, and the couple is surrounded by the love of their people. But treachery still lives in the hearts of those who wish to see the destruction of Silverhelm and they would be willing to cause Alexandra harm to achieve their goal.  King Edgar still will not relent, but will his role in past events be exposed? Branford is not invincible, and despite his vows to keep his wife safe, Alexandra is still vulnerable.  When the unthinkable happens, Branford may not be able to survive the loss.

Although Branford is broken and desperate, he finds himself with no choice: He must declare war against Hadebrand, or Edgar’s evil darkness will envelop the commonwealth. Silverhelm’s army is grossly outnumbered, but Branford underestimates the people’s love for their commoner queen. The people rise up in support of their beloved regent, and Branford sees a glimmer of hope for his wife. He becomes more determined than ever to make up for his previous failures and secure the future of his kingdom. With their murderous intentions, the treacherous King Edgar and Princess Whitney must pay for what they have done. They must not be allowed to destroy everything the people hold dear. With but faint hope in his heart, Branford gathers his people and marches toward the castle in Hadebrand, gathering allies along the way.  With the support of other noble families, Branford will have to find the strength to fight for the very survival of his own family and the entire kingdom. He sees only one path: the annihilation of his enemy.