A Royal Affair

A Royal Affair: Book One Doctor Nikolai Hartmann represents himself as a
learned man of science who believes wholly in the rational and
scientific above all else. In reality, he is a man haunted by an unusual
past and running from his own nature. While the Reformation transforms
much of Europe, it has yet to touch Hesse-Davia; this is a land mired in
superstition with cruel punishments for crimes such as witchcraft and
sodomy. While traveling to the dying king's bedside to offer his medical
expertise, Nikolai is set upon by a bandit. Reaching the king's ancient
stronghold, he discovers his mysterious brigand is the beautiful,
arrogant Prince Aleksey. Aleksey is everything Nikolai is not:
unguarded, passionate and willful. Despite their differences, Nikolai
feels an irresistible desire for the young royal that keeps him in
Aleksey's thrall. But Hesse-Davia is a dangerous world for a newly
crowned king who wants to reform his country--and for the man who loves
him.