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.

https://discord.gg/YbbR2dK6
email: RoseandThornbook@icloud.com

The Dragon's Fated Bride

The sun had long set, and the sky was now dark. The stars shone brightly as the Duke and Faye emerged from their chambers. There was a chill in the night air of the keep as it nipped at Faye's skin, and the distant sound of an owl hooting could be heard outside the fortress.

The Duke placed his warm hand on the small of Faye's back, and she felt a comforting sensation as he guided her down the dimly lit hallway toward the counsel room.

He pointed his finger and directed, "The counsel room is this way."

The scent of burning beeswax candles drifted in the corridor. Faye's heart raced with apprehension for what lay in the meeting ahead. As they approached the chamber, she reached for Sterling's hand and he clasped it. She was relieved to have him by her side.

He stopped before they entered the room. Sterling brushed her long golden strands of hair away from her face to get a better look at her expression. He could see she was worried and distressed.

SLIPSTREAM - PART 4