A Loyal Heart by Jody Hedlund

Book 4 of Noble Knights

Summary: 

He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.

Opening Lines: 

"The inner bailey wall to the south is down, my lady, and the castle will soon be overrun. "The soldier faltered in the doorway of my chambers, his armor slick with the blood of battle.

The news of the collapse didn't surprise me. After all, I'd spent the past night, like everyone else, anxiously listening to the steady ring of picks as sappers chipped away the last of the stone under the wall. From the moment Lord Pitt's sappers started digging the underground passageway beneath the walled fortifications several days ago, I'd known it was only a matter of time before they broke into the castle. I just never expected it to be so quickly.