The King's Greatest Enemy

England in the early 1320s is a restless place. Edward II’s barons are disgruntled by his preference for Hugh Despenser, and in 1321 Roger Mortimer rebels against his king. With Baron Mortimer rides Adam de Guirande, Mortimer’s most loyal man. But when Edward II strikes back, things look uncomfortably dark for Adam who finds himself a prisoner—and abandoned by everyone but his wife.

Adam de Guirande owes his lord, Roger Mortimer, much more than loyalty: he owes Lord Roger for his life and all his worldly goods; he owes him for his beautiful wife. So when Lord Roger rises in rebellion against the king, Adam has no choice but to ride with him - no matter the ultimate cost. England in 1321 is a confusing place. Edward II has been forced by his barons to exile his favorite, Hugh Despenser. The barons - led by the powerful Thomas of Lancaster, Roger Mortimer, and Humphrey de Bohun - have reasons to believe they have finally tamed the king.

Adam de Guirande has barely survived the aftermath of Roger Mortimer's rebellion in 1321. When Mortimer manages to escape the Tower and flee to France, anyone who has ever served Mortimer becomes a potential traitor - at least in the eyes of King Edward II and his royal chancellor, Hugh Despenser. Adam must conduct a careful balancing act to keep himself and his family alive. Fortunately, he has two formidable allies: Queen Isabella and his wife, Kit.

Adam de Guirande has cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him. Hugh Despenser is dead, and Edward II is forced to abdicate in favor of his young son. It is time to look forward to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council, heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over. England, in the early months of 1327, is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope toward the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule.

After Henry of Lancaster's rebellion has been crushed, a restless peace settles over England. But the young Edward III is no longer content with being his regents' puppet, and soon enough Adam is torn between his loyalty to the young king - and that to his former lord, Roger Mortimer, now co-regent and effective ruler of England. Edward III is growing up fast. He resents the power of Mortimer and his mother, Queen Isabella. His regents show little inclination of handing over their power to him, the rightful king, and Edward suspects they never will unless he forces their hand.