
Book #1 in the A Dericott Tale series
A daughter fights to save her brothers from execution. Can she trust her unlikely ally?
In 1381 England, Delia's world crumbles when her father dies and her brothers are accused of treason. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, they face execution under King Richard II. Delia, their only hope, infiltrates the royal court as a seamstress. Her sole ally is Sir Geoffrey, the very man who arrested them. As she navigates a web of deceit and power, Delia must decide if she can trust Geoffrey to help save her brothers. Will loyalty and love triumph over fear and betrayal in this gripping medieval tale?
Where there is wealth and power, there’s always someone willing to do anything to take it. When Delia’s father dies, her stepmother accuses her seven brothers of treasonous crimes. Seeking to free them from Richard II’s grasp, Delia’s only ally is Sir Geoffrey, the man who arrested them. Can she trust him?England, 1381: Delia’s idyllic life as daughter of an earl is shattered when her father dies and his wife accuses Delia’s seven brothers of treason and murder. The youngest is only ten years old, but this doesn’t stop the guards from hauling them off to the Tower of London. There they await a grim fate, as child-king Richard II is executing anyone who poses a threat to his throne. Delia is their only hope for pardon and freedom.Sir Geoffrey did not expect his first assignment as captain of the guard to be the arrest of boys so young. He dutifully imprisons the brothers, but he can’t ignore the feeling, rooted in personal experience, that injustice and treachery are at work.Determined to rescue her brothers, Delia secures a position as a seamstress for the queen. Her quest is all but impossible as the executions continue. Sir Geoffrey offers to be her ally, but should she trust him in a court where everyone has an agenda?From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes a tender retelling of “The Wild Swans,” where the virtues of loyalty and love face a harrowing showdown with power and fear.”When it comes to happily-ever-afters, Melanie Dickerson is the undisputed queen.” –Julie Lessman, award-winning authorSweet historical medieval romancePart of the Dericott series: Book 1: Court of Swans; Book 2: Castle of Refuge; Book 3: Veil of Winter; Book 4: Fortress of SnowBook length: 85,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.
Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.
Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.