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

Sterling held out the oddly shaped wrapped package for Faye to take.

"I know it's not much," he said, watching her lift the gift from his hand and examine it. "But I had this created especially for you."

Sterling was on edge, wondering what Faye would think when she tore back the brown paper wrappings to see what was hidden inside.

The only sound in the room was their synchronized breaths, mixed with the faint scent of fresh linen that lingered around them as she tore the paper away from the present.

He heard her breath hitch on an inhale and saw the paper wrapping fall to the floor at her feet. Her wide blue eyes stared at her hands in disbelief.

"…How—I, thought… When; I'd never…" Faye stuttered, trying to ask her question, but was too gobsmacked to form a complete sentence.

Faye clutched the stuffed calico bunny so tightly that it looked like she had a stranglehold on its body, crushing it.

LEPUS - PART 2