The series will have many secrets, angst, and new beginnings. Because this is a long, ongoing saga, this series must be read in written order to understand and keep up fully. We learned more about Io's isolation and movement from location to location. Io isn’t one to be able to fully explain her logic to Brice and his men, and oftentimes, it is frustrating to them. Eventually, her phrases or wording become clear. “Io, it seemed, would forever be able to set problems behind her. That she could also always create new ones for him was the other edge of that sword.” Xavier Brice and Io are united under royal contract, but he is determined that they will be wed in the church, in the eyes of God and man, and not just by decree. They have traveled for months from where he rescued her and have been slowly trying to train her in the decorum of her position as his wife. Meeting up with one of his brothers at The Forks comes with many issues—including his own family. Cedric: What manner of woman did you burden yourself with? How in any way might this union advance you even half as much as it so obviously advances her? Xavier: Io is not a burden, Brother. I will tell you, once only, do not call her one. I have her now through the grace of God and the king’s own hand. Our marriage contract is the will of the king. I will, with assurance, not doubt for a moment he knew what he was doing when he handed Lady Io to me, to protect and provide for as a man should his wife, no matter her status when we wed. I am most satisfied with his selection. Cedric: Xavier, we know nothing of her. Xavier: And it is well we are not wed to her. I am, and I know as much as any man who has only been in the company of his wife for several months. Io has had nothing but pain and heartache her entire life, and when words are spoken harshly, she takes them literally and leaves the camp, and is nearly raped. Xavier is not a man to go up against; he is a force to be reckoned with, and that is not only in his position in the King's army but with his men and especially with Io. His punishments for her are harsh and painful, but hopefully, they are lessons to be learned. Although they have engaged in oral and anal sex, Xavier will not consummate their marriage until vows are made in the church, which is eight months in the making. It isn’t that he doesn’t want her; it is his fear of her becoming pregnant, and given the poor health he found her in, he is doing everything possible to protect her. The story has scenes of power exchange between husband and wife. It has life and death situations, violence, and death. While Xavier is often harsh in his discipline, he is also caring and protective of his wife. It is often that his own men step in and can slowly get more information or an understanding of what she says. As they do, it places an entirely new set of problems they are facing as they will be traveling to his home. “Be strong, Io, fight, live.” Note: I read this series when it was first released over ten years ago. I understand it has been lengthened, reedited, and is being re-released. This is one series I was looking forward to re-reading. -RedRabbitt