The Annals of Lystra Series by Tim LaHaye, Robin Hardy

On the tenth birthday of Chataine Dierdre, her father, Karel, appoints a guardian for her--Roman, a captain of the guard. Karel is aware of the Lystran law that, at age 17, Chataine must choose the man she will marry. But he never dreams her choice might be Roman, the homely soldier who calls himself a "Christian."

The Chataine’s guardian, Roman, sees his dreams fulfilled beyond his wildest hopes when the armies invading Lystra are felled by disease and Roman’s Commander, Galapos, assumes rulership of the country. Moreover, Roman is reunited with his bride, Chataine Deirdre, who is pregnant with their first child. But while Galapos is consumed with the task of rebuilding war-torn Lystra, Deirdre allows herself to be lured away from Roman’s protection... moreThe Chataine’s guardian, Roman, sees his dreams fulfilled beyond his wildest hopes when the armies invading Lystra are felled by disease and Roman’s Commander, Galapos, assumes rulership of the country. Moreover, Roman is reunited with his bride, Chataine Deirdre, who is pregnant with their first child. But while Galapos is consumed with the task of rebuilding war-torn Lystra, Deirdre allows herself to be lured away from Roman’s protection. Immediately after giving birth in a cave, she is sold into slavery and taken to another province. Upon her mysterious disappearance, Roman undertakes a futile search for her, not knowing that her redemption has already been ordained, nor the terrible price that must be paid to free her. The Annals of Lystra begin with Chataine's Guardian, continue in Stone of Help, and conclude in Liberation of Lystra. The Latter Annals of Lystra resume the saga 100 years later with Nicole of Prie Mer. Robin Hardy is the author of The Latter Annals of Lystra, the Streiker Saga, the Sammy Series, Padre, His Strange Ways, Unknown Name, Unknown Number, and The Idecis. She is also the editor of W.W. Melton's classic devotional, Sifted But Saved. She resides with her family in North Texas. less

When Dierdre and Roman hear rumors of enemy troops massing, they go out to quell the uprising. The "enemy troops" turn out to be terrified townspeople held in the power of a wizard-king. Despite Dierdre's pleas, Roman offers himself to the evil king in exchange for the freedom of the townsfolk. And the offer is greedily accepted. . . .