Alexander's parents have just died, making him the Laird of Kinfairlie years before his time. Now he faces a problem far greater than the dwindling family treasury: He must marry off his sister Madeline in order to save Kinfairlie. But Madeline won't hear of it, as she is still grieving for her betrothed, who died in the same shipwreck that killed her parents. Out of desperation, Alexander contrives to auction Madeline off to the highest bidder. However, he never expected it to be Rhys Fitzhenry, a warrior with questionable intentions. Furious that her brother would treat her like chattel, Madeline flees-but Rhys will not be put off that easily. For he has battled kings to make his fortune, and from the moment he first locked eyes with Madeline, he knew who the queen of his heart would be...