As frost immobilizes the ground and chill winds blow, I think of cold castles and harsh rulers—which brings to mind the medieval period, and one of my favorite historical characters. In an era where women were chattels disposed of by fathers and husbands, to use wits and beauty and sheer drive to carve out a place of power and prominence is truly amazing, and Alienor (Eleanor) of Aquitaine did just that. Heiress to the wealthiest duchy in France, wife of two kings, mother of two more, loved, betrayed, and imprisoned by Henry for treason, her life would be considered romantic hyperbole—if it weren’t true. Beginning with the most recent novel, one full of “intimate” detail, we have BELOVED ENEMY: THE PASSIONS OF ELEANOR OF ACQUITAINE (QUEENS OF LOVE AND WAR BOOK 2) by Ellen Jones. Beginning the tale in 1130, with an eight-year-old Alienor dealing with the death of her mother and brother, it moves forward to June 1137, when her father dies, leaving her Duchess of Aquitaine and Countess of Poitou. Swept into an unhappy marriage with King Louis VII of France, eventually an annulment is procured, allowing her to wed her lover and love of her life, Henry…

Interviewer: We here at True World Teen are delighted to welcome Belinda Loring. She’s here to fill us in on behind-the-scene gossip to recent shocking events and dish about her boyfriend the demigod. Welcome, Belinda! (polite applause. Belinda shifts in her chair as if uncomfortable) Interviewer: How did you find out that your boyfriend was a demigod? Or did you always know? Belinda: I’m embarrassed to say that although Demian and I have been friends for years, I only recently found out he is a demi-god. I knew he had the long-winded talent because we exchanged messages on the breeze, but I didn’t know about his other powers until a forest fire threatened us. Demian used his powers to reroute a stream and allowed us to hide safely in the water until the flames were past. Interviewer: Wow! How did you feel about this revelation? Belinda: I was absolutely stunned. I mean, my boyfriend is a demi-god. How cool is that? Interviewer: There’s a rumour that you and Demian have Bonded. Is this true? And is this bond why your recent Bonding ceremony with Warren, the House Scott heir, failed so spectacularly? Belinda: I’m glad you asked, because I’d like…