The Crusades are over and King John is on England's throne--but for how long? The despot's best friend is his mother, the wily, seductive, ruthless Queen Elinor. The brains behind the Crusades, Elinor is well known for her lethal charm, both on and off the field of battle (she is said to have famously battled the Infidels wearing little more than a negligee and a smile). John is her youngest son, and she is determined that he stay in power...