Lady Eleanor de la Tour's life turns upside down on her wedding day. Instead of her betrothed, she must wed the new earl, to whom the king has given his title and lands. Though Richard Courtenay is handsome and intriguing, she wants the man she loves and chose. And Richard pursues alchemy, anathema to her because the obsession to turn base metals into gold is destroying her father. Richard needs and wants to stay wed to Eleanor to uncover her father's alchemy secrets. He vows to win her even as she arranges a bride tournament to find him a better, and more willing, wife. Can they attain what they most desire?