The_Sweet_Sparrow

Beware the betrayals of fate. 
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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.

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email: RoseandThornbook@icloud.com

The Dragon's Fated Bride

Faye's eyes flickered nervously between Sterling and Lena, and she couldn't help but notice the sudden pale pallor that washed over the princess's face as the Duke announced her new position to everyone at the table.

As soon as the other women in the room caught wind of the news, they exchanged glances and let out a simultaneous gasp of disbelief.

Their hushed whispers began to circulate, causing Lena's face to blush bright red in embarrassment.

Even Faye, who had no ties to royal society, knew that this type of position was beneath Lena's rank and an insult to her status. What was being asked of her was a blatant slap in the face.

Lena shot Sterling a furious scowl, but her expression softened when she noticed the malicious sneer forming on his lips. "Don't forget," he reminded her, tapping his fingers on the table. "I'm not the only one requesting this of you." She quickly schooled her features, masking any trace of emotion at his words.

THE COMMANDERS NO ROMANTIC - PART 2