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

"BAM! BAM! BAM!" Faye furiously slapped the flat of her hand against the door, turning her palm bright red of red, trying to gain Sterling's attention.

"Open the door! It's urgent and we need to speak!" she desperately shouted, causing everyone in the keep to draw their eyes to the ensuing chaos at the Duke's office door.

Mielle emerged from the bedchamber. Her complexion was stark white, seeing Faye in her state of undress and agitation, hammering at the study door like a madwoman. She grabbed a robe and hurried to cover the scantily clad Duchess and stop her from making any further disturbance.

"Come along, your Grace." Mielle coaxed gently. Her voice remained serene as she spoke. "The Duke is not here…he has left to go hunting. It is not good for you or the baby when you get upset like this."

Sir Proud had just arrived back to the keep from giving the Duke's order to the stable master and the smithy.

A RETURN TO THE START - PART 3