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 moment Leroy turned away, Zara advanced with the determination of someone who believed victory was near.

She considered walking off. After all, she didn't entertain pests. But something about Zara's smirk made her stop. The Serrathian orphan had a spark in her eyes. Arrogance. Challenge. And Lorraine didn't want to be the one to walk away from a challenge.

Was it her anger toward Zara herself? She certainly couldn't say. It was most certainly something more. Yeah, she was leaving, but still, this was her place. Her mansion. She was the lady of the manor. She shouldn't back away from pests like the mistress.

If she did, who knew? Her past days of cowering and hiding in shadows might return. She didn't want to revert to the life she lived in her father's house. She needed to assert her dominance. She needed to show her power.

If Leroy took the power from her hands… Then…

She'd think about that when the time arrives.

The Challenge