Christobel — Mary Linn Roby

Daughter of a British baron and an exquisite Florentine noblewoman. Christobel's life was a simple one - days filled with tutors, horseback riding, needlework, an d troubadours. Her mother's unexpected death shatters her world. Grieving for her mother, shaken by her father's withdrawal from the world, vulnerable Christobel tries not to hear the servants' whispers that her mother's ghost walks the halls of Langdale Castle.

One night in the light of the full moon, Christobel is drawn to the woods outside the castle and startled by the appearance of a young woman. Pale as alabaster, half conscious, number with terror. Christobel leads the trembling Philippa back to her own chamber and listens with horror to her pathetic tale of being kidnapped and abandoned in the forest by five armored knights. Little does Christobel know that her act of kindness to this gentle stranger may cost her everything she holds dear.

Before even a day has passed Philippa has seduced Christobel's father, banished her favorite minstrel and teacher, and set her loved father against her. With mounting terror, Christobel knows she must cast off her grief and use her wits to regain what is rightfully hers, sensing that the treacherous Philippa will not rest until she is banished from the castle - or dead.