Book excerpt: In the tenth century BC, Princess Makeda grieves as Nubian warriors storm through her beloved Sheba, forcing her to seek a political alliance. She suffers humiliation by the handsome King Solomon, who would offer her marriage in exchange for protection. Though she fears being cast into his harem of seven hundred wives, she aches to know the rapture of his tender kiss. For the first time ever, powerful King Solomon has been conquered by the defiant and beautiful queen of Sheba. He must have the sensuous enchantress who resists his remedy for the alliance she seeks. He will risk life itself to protect the woman who has pierced his heart with a tender love that he cannot deny.