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's eyes traveled over all the faces in the room. He had devised a foolproof way to test the loyalty of his newly formed council and weed out anyone being deceitful or disloyal.

It was a test they must all pass before he would disclose any of his plans.

If any of the council information were spilled or leaked, it would ruin his strategy to keep Faye out of the hands of the inquisition tribunal.

He addressed everyone around the council table.

"To be sure of your loyalty and to protect the secret's that will be discussed among this council. You will all swear an oath and sign the pact in blood along with my own."

The Duke's crimson, razor-sharp eyes, roamed the room, looking into the faces gathered, each of them understanding the serious nature of what was occurring.

"Know you are putting your life on the line with me. It will be the only way to remain in the council. You will also swear that you are not a spy."

COUNTERMEASURES - PART 3