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

Hildie's palm felt the clank of something cold and heavy as it dropped into her palm. Anxious not to let go, she quickly closed her hand around the icy metallic objects. Her aunt's words rang in her ears, "Open your hand, child."

Following her aunt Sonya's instructions, Hildie opened her hand and gazed down in awe. There, she beheld five golden crowns, more money than she had ever held in her entire life.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her throat tightened with overwhelming emotions. The old woman's generous act left her speechless, rendering her unable to express her gratitude. Through her tears, she saw Sonya with her bright smile, that exuded warmth from her eyes.

"Sniff…Sniff…T-Thank you for your kindness." Hildie sniffled as she wiped away her tears on the backs of her hands. "I only need one crown. It will be more than enough. I was only expecting two or three silvers for the earrings."

AN ANGEL CRIES AND THE DEVIL DIES - PART 13