Prince of Dreams by Nancy McKenzie

It is a generation after the fall of Camelot. The legendary figures of Britain's brief but shining renaissance-Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere-are gone but not forgotten. Their memories live on in song and story. But Arthur's dream of a united Britain is fading fast. The hard-won alliance of independent kingdoms is fracturing. Sensing weakness, defeated enemies are returning.

Such is the world of Tristan, Prince of Lyonesse. Born with the soul of a poet and the heart of a warrior, Tristan has been pushed aside by his uncle, Markion, who is determined to succeed King Constantine. Because he shares Markion's dream of restoring the faded glory of Camelot, Tristan supports his Uncle's claims to the High King's throne, against the better judgment of his friends.

Markion dispatches Tristan as his trusted agent to fetch his new bride, the daughter of King Percival. As soon as Tristan sets his eyes on the beautiful Essylte, and Essylte sees the handsome Tristan, a fateful love blooms between the two young people, a love that knows no law but its own fierce and imperious demands. Now, torn between duty and desire, Tristan and Essylte will risk everything-their lives, their souls, Britain itself-to be together.

cover variations