The Art of Deception

"Deception, my son, slithers among us daily concealed behind the mask we present to the world. Occasionally deception is converted into an art form.......Domino, Dowager Countess of Exter. The year is 1287. In the Holy Land the winds of change are slowly eroding the foundation of Christian influence. In the royal court of France, the winds of treachery are encouraging an undercurrent of disgust and distrust directed toward the legendary Knights Templar. Into the vortex of change and chance five people struggle to fulfill their destinies. In a world that valued small women Domino deCourtney was an oddity. Tall, elegant and red haired, she drew stares like a bee to honey in the Christian city of Acre in the Holy Land. A chance remark in the marketplace between Domino and her sisters' hurdles Domino into an unexpected and disastrous marriage, beginning with her wedding night. Instead of dissolving into a cowering mass of humanity, Domino discovers her indomitable spirit and courage.
Sir Charles Paget, Domino's future husband, is selfish, manipulative and dangerous, even on a good day. Charles learns his nephew in England has died thereby insuring Charles will inherit the title of Earl of Exter on his brothers' death. He realizes his responsibility to produce an heir of his Paget blood to continue their family line. However, his choices among the European aristocracy in Acre were limited due to his somewhat tarnished reputation of keeping a male lover. Hearing the taunt between the sisters in the marketplace, he realizes Domino may be the solution to his dilemma.
Sir Etienne desBarres, the eldest son of Charles' sister. The handsome Templar knight arrives in the Holy Land along with his younger brother, Philip. The first meeting between Etienne and Domino, even though she is expecting Charles' child, ignites a buried yearning as ancient as time itself. A jealous Sir Charles observes their reactions and initiates steps to ensure Etienne's removal from Acre, praying Etienne will not survive the ordeal. Philip desBarres, Etienne's younger brother, recruited as a spy by master manipulator, Templar monk Brother Ambrose. He is placed as Secretary to the Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Acre. Quiet, intelligent and observant, he retains his secrets as he guides and protects his older brother. Alya, the miniature woman rescued from the slavers by Domino, is possessed with the "sight" along with other mystical powers. She is to guide and support Domino and Etienne during this life. Raoul Langston, long-time lover and secretary of Sir Charles. Charles' man of under-handed dealings, Raoul has for years arranged whatever unscrupulous activities Charles did not wish associated with his name. Driven by jealousy and insecurity by Charles' marriage he performs a feat which almost kills Domino. But even Raoul has his limits. From the sands and ancient mystery of the Holy Land to the court of King Philip IV of France, the winds of change our players, whirling them to their fates. Domino and Etienne strive to overcome multiple adversities and conventions to fulfill their destinies. Though separated by the fall of Acre in 1291, they reunite in England for the continuation of their story in The Paradox of Intrigues.