Joanna of Castile's destiny will take her over land and sea to marry a man she has never met. Disaster, right? Not when he turns out to be gorgeous, charming, and ambitious-and he drives her crazy with lust.The year is 1496 and for Joanna, daughter of two of the most powerful monarchs in Europe, life is changing forever. She must swap Spain for Flanders, leave her family behind, and do her duty to marry astutely.And that means saying 'I do' to the Archduke of Austria, Philip the Handsome, who rules the Low Countries with skill despite his young age.The moment their eyes meet, lightning strikes and powerful passions erupt. A joining like no other, a match made in heaven. Joanna basks in her good fortune and in her husband's seductive attentions.

As son of the Holy Roman Emperor, Philip enjoys the finer things in life. And when Joanna arrives at his home, he believes God has truly favored him. She's exquisite, intelligent, and regal, and their union creates a strong alliance between the Habsburgs and Spain.But soon the world intrudes on their marital bliss-kings wage war, queens demand inquisitions, and heirs pass on their crowns.Up against accusations of insanity, can Joanna rein in her wild passions? And will Philip ever be the true King of Castile? More importantly, can Philip and Joanna's love survive the turbulence of a medieval world that shifts and dodges through creeping shadows?.