_saintrose

Verona Falkenrath was raised for war, not marriage. But when her kingdom is forced into an uneasy alliance with its greatest rival, she is wed to Prince Lucian Velthorne, a man as cold and calculated as the crown he will one day inherit.

What begins as a union of duty soon becomes a tangled web of shifting loyalties, political games, and dangerous truths. With war on the horizon and enemies moving in the shadows, Verona must decide who to trust, who to fight, and what she's willing to sacrifice to protect the people she loves.

In a court ruled by power and blood, survival is not promised. But one thing is certain. The woman they tried to use as a pawn might just rewrite the game.

To Love a Crowned Enemy

It was early, the light still weak as it filtered through the thick curtains of my chamber. I hadn't slept much; my mind refused to quiet. The days felt like a blur of conversation, strategy, and hidden dangers. But today, I had a mission, one I would not fail.

I dressed quickly, my movements practiced. Lillian entered just as I was tightening the laces of my gown, her face carefully neutral.

"My lady," she greeted, bowing slightly.

"Lillian," I replied, still distracted. "How much time do we have before the council meeting?"

"Less than an hour, my lady," she answered quietly. "But I have news."

I paused, my gaze snapping to hers. "News?"

Lillian stepped closer, her voice lowering to a whisper. "The King is meeting with Montreve today. A private audience. No one knows the exact reason, but there's speculation it's about your… actions."

I narrowed my eyes, the tension in my chest tightening further. "What does that mean, exactly?"

Chapter 24