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

Anger flared in Sylvia's chest, hot and sudden. Her jaw tightened as she looked away, her face burning.

Was his annoying question the reason for her anger? Or was she angry at herself? She couldn't even discern.

"Let's end this, Aldric," she whispered, her voice cracking, her eyes stinging with tears she didn't understand.

If the Princess left in a month, Sylvia would go too. She had to. This thing with Aldric was a thread she couldn't let tie her down. It was a shame, she thought, a bitter pang in her gut. But it was necessary.

No man would chain her to a place, to a life she didn't choose. She refused to be weak again.

Aldric's hand caught her chin, firm but soft, turning her face to his. He pulled her close, so close their noses brushed, his breath warm against her lips. His deep blue eyes bore into her, fierce and unyielding, holding her captive.

Their First Meeting