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

After telling the secret to the Duke, Faye pulled away from his arm and gazed up at him. He gave her a slight nod, with a good-natured grin. "I will take care of it. Now run along and let Mielle help you get dressed."

Mielle clasped Faye's hand, seeing her conversation with the Duke had ended, and dragged her away behind the bedroom door to get ready.

Sterling fixed his attention on Andre, his eyes locked onto him with intensity, while Merrick and Sir Proud watched with curious expressions. The Duke cocked his head, his eyes trained on the giant Paladin, as the other two men carefully surveyed the situation.

"So… Andre, how long were you going to keep all your brothers in the dark?"

The dark eyes of the knight darted around the hall, bouncing from Merrick to Sterling and back to Sir Proud. Andre gulped nervously, fumbling with his words, feigning ignorance at being caught. "I, I'm not sure what you're asking?"

A SECRET - PART 2