Madelyne

Madelyne is the sister of a baron, Duncan's wife and champion of anyone she feels is being treated unfairly. She's honest to a fault, claiming to have never lied. Upon her mother's death, Madelyne was at the mercy of her cruel stepfather and half-brother. It's not until years later that she discovers that neither are blood kin. After a period of time, she was sent to live with an elderly uncle, a priest, and it's there that Madelyne learned to read and write and became familiar with dozens of old stories. Those tales came to hear aid again and again, providing comfort when she is anxious or frightened.

Madelyne is newly returned to Louddon, her half-brother, when Duncan puts in his appearance. The first Madelyne sees of Duncan, he's been stripped of most of his clothing, including his shoes, tied to a post and left to freeze to...