Zarkanis and Colesia (Paperback)

'Your real name is Colesia, which means 'golden-hued dawn.' Remember what I am telling you. When I am older and stronger, I will come for you and marry you. Tell no one about me, though, or I might be killed before I grow strong enough to defend myself. Dragus is my enemy. I love you.' These words, spoken to her by a mysterious boy who once saved her life, have haunted Colesia for years. Given the name Vayle and raised as a princess in Dragus's castle, Colesia longs for the day when her prince will come and rescue her. But her prince, Zarkanis, the true heir of the kingdom of Shareen, is held captive in the farthest reaches of Dragus's dungeons. Both Zarkanis and Colesia are being prepared for the day when they will break free of their respective prisons and bring Dragus's tyranny to an end. Colesia's lady-in-waiting raises Colesia to be kindhearted, brave, and selfless. Meanwhile, the philosopher Dametrius pretends to be deaf and dumb so that he can care for the prince Zarkanis. This disguise allows Dametrius to teach Zarkanis metaphysics, mathematics, and athletics until the boy is old enough to take back his kingdom. Zarkanis can see Colesia through the bars of his cell as she prays on her balcony each morning. He knows that one day he will be united with her. But when, and how? Does she even remember that night when he escaped momentarily to save her? Does she know that he is her Zarkanis and she is his true love? Timothy Oesch's romantic tale set in eighth-century Gaul will tug the heartstrings of all who read it.