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

Even in the fading afternoon light, Faye's skin had a youthful glow that shone brightly. It was a pleasure to see her relaxed and at ease after all the recent chaos. He loved her infectious smile.

As much as Sterling hated to break the peaceful spell she had cast, he had to get them up and moving. The sun was sinking behind the eerie, looming hill above them. It would soon be dark, and the temperature would drop rapidly. Making it too cold for Faye when Arvon carried her to the Grotto.

Sterling spoke softly, drawing her attention to him.

"Faye, it's time to leave, sweet butterfly."

He watched as she tenderly placed the white rabbit back on the snow-covered ground. Watching it hop away. She gracefully rose from where she was crouched under the tree.

When Faye turned to face the Duke, he noticed her little nose and the apples of her cheeks were rosy red from the cold. He chuckled at the delightful view.

UNCONDITIONAL - PART 2