Blind Impulse — Kathryn Loch

After the death of his father, Garin Swein returns from fighting in the crusades to claim his rightful place as baron of East of Eden. He arrives to a hero's welcome and discovers himself a changed man, looking forward to his future as baron and marriage to his betrothed, beautiful Alyna Salkeld. But weakened by a wound that refuses to heal, he to falls victim to the same fever that killed his father. Garin survives but the fever has rendered him blind. He can no longer inherit the barony or marry. His dreams destroyed, he knows he will be sent to the church hospice to hide his shame. To his shock, Alyna Salkeld fights to save their betrothal and Garin's right to inherit, insisting he can still be baron even without his sight. Is she doing this just to control his barony?

Alyna knows all to well the challenges Garin faces with the loss of his sight. Her uncle, a talented goldsmith was rendered blind in an accident when she was a little girl. But Alyna's father, Geoff Salkeld, believes in the strength of family. He opened his home to his brother and family instead of forcing Roger into the church. Roger learned to live without his sight and his trade as a goldsmith thrives. Alyna knows Garin is a courageous knight and this battle will be far more difficult than any he has fought in the past.

The priest, although doubtful, allows the marriage with the understanding he will review the situation in six months. If he finds the barony mismanaged in any way or if Garin cannot defeat his blindness, he will annul the marriage and Garin will have no choice but to enter the church hospices.

Both Garin and Alyna know they face a difficult journey but they do not expect the violence with which other nobles fight against them. Ultimately, Garin's enemies decide Alyna's life is now forfeit.