The Triumphs of Justine

Justine de Montclaire has always idolized her father, decrying the fact that she is a female, wishing she could be a strong noble knight. She is well past the age when she should be married, has entertained numerous suitors and found all of them unacceptable. Her mother and father are desperate. But the de Montclaire family has one big advantage, they are among the handful of most powerful Norman leaders. When an opportunity arrange a marriage between Justine and Lionel d'Auberge, an alliance between the two families that would be highly advantageous, her parents jump at the chance. And so, it is that Lionel journeys to meet and woo Justine. He arrives and is led to the training fields where de Montclaire's army is sharpening their swordsmanship skills. Imagine his surprise when a soldier is summoned, and he discovers it is Justine. She is in full armor covered with sweat and grime. Justine is mortified, sure he will reject her, the first man she would entertain marrying. For the first time in her life she wants a man, feels the stirrings of her gender, and is too na ve and unschooled in the art of a woman's wiles to know what to do. Ironically, Lionel is drawn to this strange woman, drawn by the prospect of discovering her, and encouraged by the power of an alliance with de Montclaire. So begins Justine's transformation, from knight to lady. Ah, but the process is not quickly and easily accomplished. Justine must fight a number of obstacles and triumph in order to find peace, love and happiness.