Ireland, David

Love or duty -- which would you choose? Prince Severin has been brought up to put duty before all else. Now, his duty is to marry and produce an heir. He has his choice of princesses. Unfortunately, his passion is for princes. Havyn has been a slave all his life. When his powers are discovered, he finds himself purchased and freed by a Prince and apprenticed to the royal wizard, Ildar. His duty is to stay chaste to keep his powers strong. Unfortunately, his passion is for Severin. With kingdoms at war, the throne hanging in the balance, and magic in the air, can the two men find happiness together, or is duty more important than love?

Central character is based on Norman Shillingsworth, sophisticated and city educated, returns to the Northern Territory where he grew up. But the top end in 1929 is raw and uncompromising and riddled with prejudices; and Norman faces the harsh reality of coming to terms with his true origins in a very hostile atmosphere.