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

Faye lifted the lid on the first dish and took a big whiff of the meal inside.

The Duke watched her pink tongue dart out of her mouth and lick the bow of her top lip.

He could see her eyes light up with excitement as she tucked into the hearty meal of beef braised in red wine, served with a heaping side of steamed vegetables and buttery mashed potatoes.

She looked like she was in heaven and hummed to herself in delight as she swallowed the first bite of succulent meat from her fork.

Sterling chuckled internally. Seeing her eat like this was a tremendous relief. He felt a wave of elation wash over him at the sight of Faye gobbling up her food.

He had been worried for some time, as she could barely hold down anything when she ate.

Typically, Faye picked at the food on her plate and shuffled it around with her utensils to make those watching her think she was eating.

However, that ploy had fooled no one, especially not Sterling.

UNSCHEDULED DEPARTURE - PART 4