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 wiped her tears, frustrated with herself. Were her hormones to blame for this constant flooding of emotions? She had never cried this often, never felt so fragile. It made her feel weak, and she hated that feeling.

None of it should matter. In less than a month, she would be gone. Far from all of this. Far from him. She wouldn't have to care about what Leroy thought of her, what he felt, or didn't feel. That freedom should have brought relief, yet the heaviness in her chest refused to lift.

Leroy was still watching her. He hadn't moved, though he had released her chin.

"Where does it hurt?" he asked again.

She rubbed her stomach in response, her face tightening in pain. She knew he didn't understand sign language, but she signed it anyway. "I'm fine now," she added with a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

The Great Fall