When his younger sister is propositioned by the Tyrant King, Aster steps in to take her place. Just when he fears he must face this fate alone, the King assigns Rowan the Black to protect him—an Enforcer Knight with a tortured past. Despite his cruel reputation, Aster can't shake the feeling that Rowan is familiar to him. Haunted by memories of his lost childhood sweetheart, Jace, Aster must now navigate a veritable political chess game he wasn't at all prepared for. 

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“Flowers like the rose are needed for so many reasons,” Aster said. “The ground needs their roots, bees need their pollen, and animals need their leaves. So they do what they can to survive, by any means necessary. Does that mean a rose is evil for growing thorns?” He looked up at Rowan.

Rowan kept his eyes on the rose. He didn’t seem convinced. “A single rose has never caused as much pain as I have, Aster.”

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Broken Vows is created by Alex Agar, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author. 

BRoken Vows

“And you’re sure this will work…?”


Rowan’s soft, deep voice tickled his ear, and heat rose to Aster’s cheeks. Still, he kept his composure as he descended the palace steps with his Protector at his side. 


“I’m not sure of anything,” Aster whispered back. “But it was partially Nathalya’s idea. We will see what my mother thinks of this ‘design’ when we reach my home.”


Rowan nodded. “Whatever you decide, I’m keeping my oath. I’ll protect you.”


The heat in Aster’s cheeks only grew. He smiled to himself, but he kept his eyes forward. Knowing Rowan would be at his side no matter what certainly helped embolden him for this plan, but what it didn’t help was the growing flame in his chest that burned solely for his Protector. It might soon grow into a wildfire if he did not tread carefully. 


“I appreciate you for that, Ser Rowan,” he said softly, hoping the tender tone in his voice communicated more than just gratitude. 


Chapter 15: Loyalty and Duty