The_Sweet_Sparrow

Beware the betrayals of fate. 
—-
Sterling’s blazing red eyes bore into Faye’s terrified gaze. “My little butterfly, don’t you understand? Once a dragon is gifted something precious, he will never let it go.”
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Faye Montgomery is a young, lower-echelon noblewoman caught in a game of imperial betrayal and death.

Soon after her mother’s untimely passing, Faye is informed by her drunken and depraved stepfather that in exchange for her family’s mounting debts, she is to be sold into a contract marriage. 

Her new groom is the most celebrated and fearsome knight commander in the Eastcarin Empire.... Duke Evan Sterling Thayer of Stanhall Lake.

Upon her first meeting with the stern and icy warrior, Faye comes to understand her situation is far worse than she originally thought. She realizes she has encountered the Duke in the past. 

The young bride now believes death would have been preferable to being sold into this heartless union with her family’s former adversary and the man responsible for her current unfortunate circumstances.

However, over time, even as she struggles to liberate herself from this abomination of a man, Faye discovers their red strings of fate are more closely intertwined than she once imagined.
      
They both have become unwilling puppets of the empire. With the many hidden agendas and secrets of those in power surrounding them, they will have to put away their differences and form an alliance if they wish to survive. 

This novel was my entry into the WPC Contest for July 2023! The support everyone has shown to it is greatly appreciated. The story is full of unexpected turns that you are sure to enjoy!

…
{WARNING: Mature subject matter R-18} 
THE SEXY TIME STUFF STARTS AFTER CHAPTER THIRTY.

Disclaimer: THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION. ALL NAMES, CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS, PLACES, AND EVENTS ARE EITHER THE PRODUCT OF THE AUTHOR'S IMAGINATION OR USED IN A FICTITIOUS MANNER.
                                   
Cover art is mine, so don't use it.

https://discord.gg/YbbR2dK6
email: RoseandThornbook@icloud.com

The Dragon's Fated Bride

Even though Kalandra was sightless, the look in her unseeing eyes conveyed agitation.

"I don't know what type of game you are playing Duke Thayer, but the girl is still…"

Sterling was swift to cut off Kalandra and correct the mage.

"Yes," she gave a curt nod. "The Duchess—she is still wearing the talisman. I sense a protective aura over her."

Sterling furrowed his brows, realizing that the only thing Faye possessed which could cause such an effect was the necklace. Suddenly, he had an epiphany - it wasn't the necklace at all, but the bracelet he had given her in Easthaven.

He stood over Faye, holding out his hand, and kindly requested, "Give me your arm?"

Faye obediently raised her hand, and Sterling removed the trinket.

"I have removed the other charm. You may touch her now."

The Duke watched as Kalandra sat unmoved. He heard her mumble under her breath, "It is not a talisman or charm…It is you."

AND THINGS BECAME STRANGER - PART 1