The Freelancer

As a young boy, Lord William ran away from his abusive father and renounced his inheritance to the kingdom of Wildenham. Hidden away from society, he was relieved when word reached him of his father's demise at the hands of Lord Clayborn, who became the new Lord of Wildenham. Now an adult, Lord William is a renowned freelancer; a mercenary hired to kill. However, his past resurfaces when he receives a request to return to Wildenham, now haunted by his father's spirit, and murder Lord Clayborn.Lady Christine, the beautiful and high-spirited seventeen-year-old daughter of Lord Clayborn, spends her time practicing her skills with a sword rather than fulfilling her role as the Lady of Wildenham. To ensure his daughter will remain within the kingdom upon his death, Lord Clayborn encourages her to choose a husband. She finds the available suitors unworthy and vows only to marry for love.In the neighboring kingdom of Thornwick, Harlan is a notorious thief who hides among the kingdom's defenders in order to escape prosecution for his crimes. His vindictive nature draws the attention of his lord, who gives Harlan a special assignment to travel to Wildenham and assassinate Lord Clayborn. Aware of the rumors proclaiming Lady Christine's beauty, Harlan demands her hand in marriage as payment before accepting the task.As the race against time begins, who will kill Lord Clayborn first? Will Lady Christine be forced to marry a man she does not love? Will Lord William have the courage to carry out his contract and return to his solitary lifestyle, or will he remain in the kingdom and accept his destiny as the Lord of Wildenham?