NoPantsNick

Synopsis
A modern woman. A tainted reputation. A crown she never wanted.

Lynn Carter, a sharp-tongued gamer girl, never expected to wake up as Eleanor Sterling—the infamous “Scarlet Rose” of the Visterian Empire. Known for her beauty, cunning, and ahem, scandalous escapades, Eleanor is the last woman King Sebastian Leohart would ever choose as queen. Too bad her father, the prime minister, forced the marriage to consolidate power.

Now, trapped in a body with a wicked past, Lynn must navigate a court full of vipers, a husband who despises her, and a swarm of suitors who think “notorious” means “available.” But this modern girl has a few tricks up her sleeve.

Dare to underestimate her? She’ll outmaneuver you with wit sharper than a dagger.
Dare to scorn her? Watch the empire’s “first harlot” become its most brilliant strategist.
Dare to ignore her? Pray you never see her smile—especially while she’s burning your armies to ash over tea.

And then there are the men—so many infuriatingly gorgeous men—who can’t seem to decide whether to ruin her or worship her:

The King: Sebastian Leohart, the frosty monarch with blood-red eyes and snow-white hair. He married her for politics, but he can’t seem to stay away.

The Scholar-Saint: A genius as pure as untouched snow, who loves her despite her body’s sins.

The Warlord: A conqueror who would raze kingdoms for her smile, even as she drives a dagger into his back.

The Shadow: Her most loyal knight, guarding her by day, and burning for her by night.

But beneath all the glitter and games, something darker stirs.
Eleanor’s soul wasn’t the first to inhabit this body.
And someone wants the new queen dead...

Crimson Rose Queen

After breakfast, Heather accompanied me through the rose gardens. Sunlight warmed the blooms, their perfume thick as syrup.

Primrose burst through the hedgerow, breathless. "Milady! Lord Sterling! He's come! To present your winnings... and claim his promise! A countryside excursion!"

Alistair Sterling. My premonition crystallized. A celebrated suitor was the last complication I needed.

Primrose's eyes shone. "Will you receive him?"

Her fervor chilled me. If my own maid worshipped him, London's society ladies would be rabid.

"Send him away. Plead indisposition."

I arched a brow. "Eager for an excuse to see him yourself, Primrose? Should I take you along as chaperone?"

Horror flooded her face. "Never! I swear it!"

As Primrose retreated, Heather sighed. "Lord Sterling himself calling! Your allure is unmatched, Milady!"

"The sky darkens," I murmured, pulling my shawl tighter. A sudden chill had little to do with the gathering clouds. The storm brewing within Rosemont's walls was threat enough without adding London's golden idol.

Chapter 28 - The Unwelcome Suitor