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Chivalry – The Strict Code of a Knight
Diana Cosby, author of Forbidden Vow in the Forbidden Series
When readers envision knights, the valiant men in the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table come to mind. Courageous warriors who were guided by the strict rules of chivalry, an austere way of life with many traits later incorporated within noblesse oblige.
The accolade, or ceremony to become knighted was performed by royalty, a noble, or another knight. Often, the solemn but grand ceremony was conducted before the fighter’s peers, during times of great feasts, or holidays. During this rite-of-passage, the man swore to abide to the church’s teachings, to live with devout loyalty to their country, to perform his duties to the highest degree, to be truthful, generous, and to champion good. In addition, he vowed to be faithful to his word, and that he would never harm a woman or child, nor would he tolerate a woman or child being hurt.
Men who’d sworn to protect, the virtues of sound judgement and intelligence along with their discretion in handling every situation were held in high esteem. Chivalry also guided a warrior’s temperament, calling for calm within tumultuous times, and to never waver from their vows taken upon becoming a knight.
Men of honor, having pledged to not recoil from danger, they held firm in the face of the enemy. Nor did they tolerate attacks upon those unable to defend themselves. When brutal mischief occurred, knights relentlessly pursued the miscreants, and served justice without mercy.
For hundreds of years chivalry guided the knights as their carried out their duties. With the rise of the merchant class, nobility no longer ruled the decisions of society, and the need for knights waned. Though knights are no longer a staple of today’s lifestyle, chivalry in the basic rules of society, along with stories of romance, still live.
ABOUT FORBIDDEN VOW
Set in battle-torn Scotland, a castle’s mistress awaits her groom, a warrior she has never met . . .
Lady Gwendolyn Murphy’s fiancé has finally arrived at Latharn Castle, but she expects no joy in their introduction. Gwendolyn is well aware of Bróccín MacRaith’s cold reputation. Yet from first glance, she is drawn to the intimidating stranger. Impossible! How could she be dazzled by such a callous man?
Little does she know, Bróccín is dead. The man Gwendolyn believes to be her intended is actually Sir Aiden MacConnell, a member of the Knights Templar and her enemy, masquerading as the earl to gain access to the castle. His soul is dedicated to God and war; he has no time for luxuries of the flesh. But Gwendolyn’s intoxicating beauty, intellect, and fortitude lures him to want the forbidden.
With the wedding date quickly approaching and the future of Scotland at stake, Aiden gathers critical intelligence and steels himself for his departure, vowing to avoid an illicit liaison. But a twist of fate forces him to choose—move forward with a life built on a lie, or risk everything for the heart of one woman?
Forbidden Vow, the 3rd book in Diana Cosby’s Forbidden Series, will be released on the 15th of June 2018.
About the Author
A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey. Visit her on the social media platforms below.
What a fantastic article! Love everything Dima Cosby writes… Long live historical romance. ~ Cindy