Guineveres Gift

This novel by Nancy McKenzie is a brief look into the life of the famous Queen Guinevere's life as a child. Orphaned at an early age, Guinevere is sent to Gwynedd, where her mother's sister and husband reign. There she befriends her mischievous cousin, Elaine, who lands Guinevere in hot water more then once because of her grand schemes. In this book, a new man comes to town around Guinevere's thirteenth birthday, with a evil plot hiding behind a charming smile. When the king is gone, the kingdom is run by Queen Alyse, who doesn't particularly like Guinevere simply because she reminds her of her dead older sister. Alyse bans Guinevere from the stables, where she spends most of her free time, but not before the girl overhears some dangerous information while out riding - and makes a friend who she never should have met.  Now, armed with information and enough determination to bring the Kings Army to its knees, she must bravely battle the invaders and save Elaine from kidnapping thieves all while trying to discover the real reason why she was sent to Gwynedd. Was it for her protection...or to keep her in the dark of her future?