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

Sonya stood in disbelief at the news of the plague's return. She had survived the last outbreak three years ago, but was unsure if she would survive this one due to her age. Sonya leaned down and picked up the leather pouch that Carter had tossed to her feet. She felt the heft of it as the coins inside jingled.

The old woman remarked, trying to give back the money, "I-I can't in good conscious accept any more money from you."

"Nonsense," exclaimed Dahlia, "We owe you our lives. You have risked everything to help us. Now stop being so modest," she scolded, "and pocket those coins."

"Thank you, and godspeed to you all." Sonya said softly, placing the pouch inside her apron pocket.

Dahlia and Carter waited till she returned to the eatery and closed herself inside.

"We must get moving," Carter said to Dahlia. "Darkness will be upon us in a few hours."

AN ANGEL CRIES AND THE DEVIL DIES - PART 7