Don't be put off by the cover. The 'bond of blood' was the uniting of two houses through marriage, usually for political reasons or material gain, and had very little to do with romance or love. This story is set against the background of the battle for the English throne between Queen Maud (sometimes known as Matilda) and Stephen of Blois in 1139. Cain, Lord Radnor, seeks a blood bond with Lord Pembroke's house by marriage with his 15-year old daughter, Leah. It's only politics - and Leah will do her father's bidding, whether she likes it or not. But Cain does not expect a pretty young girl - and one who does not mind that he is lame, and twice her age. Gellis covers a veritable tapestry of everyday medieval life: clothing, shopping, superstitions, family life and religious beliefs, as well as the political turmoil and warfare of the time.