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

The corridor was dim, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows across the stone walls. Elyse stormed toward Emma, her silk gown hissing with every furious step. Her sapphire eyes burned, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, not from the wine or the dance, but from the sting of humiliation.

Leroy had left her stranded in the dance floor, his golden hair disappearing into the crowd as noblewomen smirked behind their fans. She could still hear their whispers, sharp as needles, pricking at her pride. Where was he? She'd searched every corner, and still, he eluded her.

The frustration churned in her gut, a wildfire seeking a target, and Emma, Lorraine's meek little maid, stood before her like prey.

"Where is she?" Elyse's voice sliced through the air, sharp and accusing. "Where's your mistress, that deaf, mute mongrel?"

A Fierce Refusal