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

"I'll see what he wants," Lorraine said casually, setting down her tea and brushing imaginary dust from her skirt. Her tone was serene. Her heart, however, drummed a victory march.

She fixed her hair with practiced grace, gave her reflection a self-satisfied nod, and walked out like a queen summoned to deal with peasantry.

When she entered Leroy's study, he was stiffly perched behind his desk like a man sentenced to life among spreadsheets. The stacks of books towered like walls between them. Through a sliver of space between two ledgers, Lorraine caught sight of him: arms crossed, jaw tight, that telltale twitch back in his brow.

She signed smoothly, her face a picture of innocent concern.

"Zara's not being open about it, but I think she's suffering. You should call for a better physician. Someone thorough."

Dragging Her