Golda

"She was supposed to be silent. She chose chaos instead."
Lorraine was the abused daughter of the Grand Duke of Vaeloria—mute, deaf, and dismissed. Overshadowed by her perfect half-sister, Elyse, even the hostage prince she once saved mistook Elyse for his savior… and fell in love with the wrong girl.
But fate bound Lorraine to that same prince. 
Married young to Leroy Regis, the war-born Crown Prince of Kaltharion, Lorraine was nothing more than a pawn in a peace treaty. He never touched her. Never spoke to her. Never knew she could hear every word and speak, just not aloud.
For ten years, she waited for the husband who called her “useless” and “a mistake”.
In secret, Lorraine became his silent guardian: protecting his life, building his power, shielding his name. She gave everything. And when he returned from war after five years, she waited on the balcony, hoping he’d finally see her.
But he broke her heart. He came home with another woman by his side. His mistress, bold and beautiful, was a mirror of Elyse. And he rode right past his wife… without looking back. As if she meant nothing.
Now, the Silent Crown stays silent, but she would not be still. She's not powerless anymore. She's gained power on her own, walking in the shadows.
If love couldn’t move him, perhaps she shouldn't remain. If her devotion meant nothing, then it’s time he learns what his “mistake” is truly capable of.
She will break his heart…
She will leave…
But not before setting the palace ablaze,  and letting the ashes speak for her.

Silent Crown: The Masked Prince's Bride

Lorraine winced, her skin prickling as she turned. Lord Cassian Duskewood, Lady Mirene's husband, leered at her, his eyes glinting with predatory hunger.

Lorraine rolled her eyes, disgust curling in her chest. Cassian had always seized every chance to touch her inappropriately, his hands lingering too long at court gatherings. Before the Imperial family, he'd slander Leroy and her father, Hadrian Arvand, with venomous jabs, but Lorraine knew the truth: he was her father's lapdog, a spineless opportunist whose livelihood hinged on currying favor.

He must have caught wind of Hadrian's scheme to wed Elyse to Leroy, emboldening him to corner her in this crowded ballroom, under her father's own roof.

His lecherous hand slid from her waist to her lower back, his breath hot as he leaned close. "I don't believe in curses," he murmured, his voice oily, dripping with intent. "All I see is an attractive woman I want…"

An Unexpected Help