Under the Oak Tree (Novel), Vol. 1

Lady Maximilian, daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, is kept largely confined to her family's castle because of a stutter her family fears will damage their reputation. She is compelled to marry Riftan, a lowborn knight ensnared in one of her father's schemes. Their union begins poorly, and Riftan departs the morning after their wedding without a word. Three years later he returns as a celebrated war hero and, despite rumors of an offered marriage to a renowned sorceress, still wishes to claim Maxi as his wife. The novel follows Maxi as she adjusts to her new circumstances and gradually finds her own courage.