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He thought he wasn't capable of love... until he met her. Can a marriage survive when 'love' is one-sided? Is the love of one person enough for two? Can you forgive the enemy when the person who destroyed your life is the person you love the most? *** Vega Linden was taken away from her doting parents and led a desperately lonely life in a quiet village, not knowing who she was. There, she met the prince who came to give her family.... or so she thought. She was the sun that shone over his darkness, the flowers that bloomed in his spring, the only woman he would ever love... if only he could. This is the story of the prince who cannot fall in love and the missing heiress. The book covers revenge and how love conquers all. Can bad people turn good? Will kindness really defeat evil? Can you forgive people who had hurt you so badly that you want to destroy the world just to make them pay? *** This novel shares the same universe as my two novels: "The Alchemists" and "Finding Stardust". This is the sequel to "The Alchemists". You don't have to read it to start with this book, but I think if you do read it, you will LOVE it. CHECK OUT MY OTHER STORIES: - The Alchemists - Completed - Finding Stardust - Completed - The Cursed Prince - Ongoing - The Cursed King - Completed - Till Death Do Us Part - Completed - The King's Wife Is The Alpha's Mate - Ongoing I DON'T DO SLOW BURNS You can buy me coffee through: https://ko-fi.com/missrealitybites Talk to me on Discord: bit.ly/missrealitybites Instagram @missrealitybites4.8
“I want to make you mine. Just mine. Forever and only.” ——— Two centuries ago, Princess Madison of Zenovia died to protect her kingdom. Her selfless deed had gotten her reincarnated as the royal’s maid’s daughter hundreds of years afterwards, not being pursued by only one, but two princes of Zenovia. Will she finally get her way and sit on the throne that was her very own birthright? The competition is getting fierce. Looks like someone will chase Emma if the other two princes of Zenovia won’t take initiative. But who will she end up with at the very end? ——— “Miss Grey, what can you tell us about your father?” Julius asked. Emma furrowed her brows. “Excuse me?” She asked. She had never known much about her father, and when she was called to the throne room, she hadn’t expected to be asked such...personal questions. She thought Julius was joking, but his serious look didn’t say the same. “My mother never told me about him. Other than the fact that he had the last name, Kennedy. That’s all I’ve ever known of him,” Emma answered, unsure of how her father was related to any of this. The King and Queen gasped. She really was the daughter of the late Duke. The King explained to the confused Emma what was going on. “Ms Grey, this ‘Kennedy’ you are speaking about, is the late Duke Kennedy. From what my advisor, Julius, is telling us, you are the biological daughter of the late Duke Kennedy of Zenovia,” he explained. Wait, what? ——— NOVEL STATUS: UNDERGOING EDITING This novel is purely fictional, and since this book's first chapter takes place around the 1800s, I must clarify that the others take place during the 21st century. The cover of this novel is not mine. And a reminder. Hate comments, self-promotion and baseless accusations of any kind will be deleted. Thanks, guys. Author out. P.S. No, I am not changing any part of the book, I am simply editing what I've written in the past and fixing grammatical errors, etc etc.4.6
Laura died when she was a baby. Out of desperation, her parents agreed on a deal with the mysterious couple to bring her back to life. Her family left their village and hide in a far away place... with no intention of honoring the deal. Twenty years later. Mysterious black hooded cape men descended into their mansion. They hurt her father and abducted her sister, claiming that they're fulfilling the deal that took place a long time ago. Her sister can only be returned to her family ten days later, in one condition, she won't leave their town. To protect Laura, her father entered another deal to marry her to the most notorious womanizing bachelor in the next town. The groom was the son of a powerful family, he has a questionable attitude and lacking in the looks department. Then she met the 'other' brother. He's handsome as hell and mysterious in so many ways, her heart beats crazily for him. And yet... he turns out to be something not human. Her peaceful life descended into chaos, and so the story begins. ***The cover is mine. All the credits and rights belong to me. ~My Other Novels on this site~ * Hot Romance With The Vampire~ Completed * The Beauty And The Wolf~ Completed. * Hidden Husband: Beloved Wife ~ Completed ~ Contemporary Romance * The CEO's Painted Skin: Contemporary Romance~ Completed. * The Last Embrace: Fantasy Romance, Vampires Love~ Completed. * Sweet Surrender: The CEO's Second Wife: Contemporary Romance~ Completed. * The Tale Of Three Sisters: Fantasy Romance, Adventure ~ Completed.4.8
[WSA 2020 Nomination Awardee] You can now watch "The King's Beloved - Novel Teaser" on Youtube! ______________ Rania's life was perfect when suddenly everything came crashing down—literally. In a new place surrounded by kidnapped girls like herself and an alien race of magical beings called "Magi", she must now compete to become the new queen. However, fate seemed to have a different plan for her. "When the chosen one Who is not one of us Unveils the hidden Truth The barrier shall be broken And the path to the unknown shall open But take heed and be weary For in the unknown lies trials untold The pits may be fiery But take heart! For history is about to unfold!" - the Prophecy Join her in her adventure to find love, hope, friendship, and dreams, and uncover the secrets within. Along this journey, whose hand will she take? When duty and feelings collide, which should hold more importance? “All the power in the world, I have, yet I failed to protect her.” - the King “Please tell me what I can do to take that sadness away.” - the Masked Man “I’m going to save someone. And I’ll definitely do whatever it takes.” - the Fiancé ______________________________ Don't forget to VOTE, COMMENT, and REVIEW Instagram / TiktTok: macy_bae_writes Discord Server: https://discord.gg/hWB6mmt ______________________________ Commissioned Cover was done by k0olla_ You can follow her on Instagram by searching for her username4.9
Marriages are not a thing for love. They are a binding contract your parents make when you are a child and you will have no say in them. You are left to hope they bargained well. When Delaney Simms was born she was a beautiful baby everyone was sure would grow up to be as beautiful as her mother. So when Lord and Lady Adair approached the new parents to arrange a marriage for their handsome eldest son they were quick to accept. They had money but no title. The Adairs had titles and estates but they were falling into disarray due to lack of funds. It was the perfect arrangement. The children grew up and the fortunes of their families reversed. While the Adairs grew more and more wealthy, Delaney's parents passed away and she lost everything and had to live with her Aunt and Uncle. Her marriage contract was still binding though so at least she had that for her future. That was until word came that her handsome future husband had been sent to defend the kingdom against a dragon and had returned scarred and angry. Unable to escape her contract, Delaney was forced to marry the man who was now more of a monster. But could she ever learn to love him? Once they are married she learns there is much more to her scarred husband than meets the eye and she is soon swept into a life of witches, fairies, unicorns, pirates, and more. Delaney has made it clear she will never love her husband and he knows that. He makes a deal with her so they won't have to stay married forever. But what happens if now Delaney is the one to change her mind?3.7
[MATURE 18+] "I probably should tell you this first and foremost, Gianita, that I do not intend to produce heirs by this marriage. The Prince will still be my heir, even though you're the Empress. "Then why keep me, Sire, if I am of no use to you? It's obvious that you do not intend to add any more members to the royal family besides yourself and the Prince, so why marry me?" - Gianita, a Princess from the Eastern Kingdom is sent to marry the widowed Emperor of Angletonia, a vast and prosperous empire spread in the western hemisphere. Surprisingly, the Emperor prefers the companion of his young son than his new bride. She can find nothing about his previous marriage, only that the wife died shortly after the Prince was born. With his past clouded with riddles, will she be able to unravel the mystery that is him?4.7
One day, Ivy, the eldest of the three sisters bid goodbye to her aunt and siblings. She's going to work in the mysterious castle at the top of the hills as a housekeeper, promising them that she'll come home for a visit once a month. A month passed. Two months passed. Ivy never paid them a visit. Worried to death, Kate went to the castle to check on her sister. She promised to return three days later. However, she never returned. After one month of waiting and still, there's no sign of her sisters returning, Ella, the youngest of the three sisters was getting restless, she was consumed with a burning desire to investigate what happened to her beloved sisters? Hence, Ella sets forth on a journey to find her missing sisters. What she found and discovered inside the castle was simply...shocking and totally out of this world. For it's too late for her to know that once an outsiders step inside the castle they can never get out alive. Unless... ~~~~~~~~ *My Other Novel on Webnovel* * Hot Romance With The Vampire~ Completed * The Beauty And The Wolf~ Completed. * The Vampire's Love: You Are My Destiny ~ Fantasy Romance~ Vampires~ Demon's~ Shapeshifters~ Completed. * Hidden Husband: Beloved Wife ~ Completed~ Contemporary Romance * The CEO's Painted Skin ~ Contemporary Romance ~ Completed. * Sweet Surrender: The CEO's Second Wife ~ Contemporary Romance ~ Completed. * The Last Embrace ~ Fantasy Romance. Vampires Love~ Completed.4.9
WPC #135 Winner Mature Content The clash between the heaven and hell has been nonstop. The fine line between the life and death has been serious and invisible. The after life has always been feared. But little do the world know about the life of the immortals. The love that is forbidden, The price they pay to live and protect the galaxy. But will the Water Princess Aqua and Demon King Huo go through the same, inevitable and dangerous. What choices will they make? Will the live wisely ? He took the crown off her head and untied her hair that fell down to her shoulders. Aqua stood up and faced him. "It still feels like a dream, a distant dream that came true, us, without objections," she said looking into his eyes. He stroked her hair and took her face in his hands. "We no longer will have hindrances, we will no longer have to hide, hurt, run away or die a second time, from the troubles," he said to her. This time his eyes glistened with tears. He was happy, extremely. She reached up to his face and kissed him. Her thoughts were all about him. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to their bed, placing her down carefully. She took his royal robes off while he slowly undressed her from the queen's dragon gown customised just for her. He could only see perfection in her. While she saw the whole universe in his eyes. He ran her finger on her face smiling at her, looking into her eyes, admiring her, as his heart pounded fast with love and desire. She kneeling on the bed, wrapped her arms around as he took her breath away, stealing everything at once from her, unfolding her, the whole night. Fire on fire. He laid her down and whispered, in her ears "I love you," then they said that to each other again. "For all the years yet to come and forever." The good turn evil but the evil always remained good, always misunderstood and hated the most. With love, struggle, sacrifice, life and death. The wrongs are turned right. Aqua through her three life times made it all come true. But still unsure about a future that's too far and dreamy. How will Aqua survive these obstacles? Will she let the Demon King have her? Remember to vote for me and review your thoughts!!4.9
The day I was defeated and died in a battle, I knew that I didn't have the prestige to see the sun again. I've had ratified my fate until I woke up in the middle of the woods and realized that I've had transmigrated into the body of a Female Vampire named, Thalia Hackensen. Until I've met a werewolf, under the moonlight, and owned me as his wife. "You are the werewolf's wife, Thalia. You are mine and no one can steal you from me!" He said until his soft lips touched against mine. Settings: Fantasy World of Vampires and Werewolves Empire Genre: Fantasy Romance Pace: Slow Burn (If Grammar is terrible then leave! I am not writing to please everyone and trying hard to be perfect. Back off disclaimer/s). (All Free chapters will be edited soon. Remove the story from your library and then add it back to see a few changes in it.) Artwork: DevianArt If you have queries, you can ping me on Discord, Maryixxx#4838! Instagram: mariposa.ry or maryixx PS: Don't forget to read Rise of Princess Alice's Kingdom: Zombie Apocalypse! Thank you butterflies!4.9
"Devin, do you love me?" Hearing her question that had snapped him out of his thoughts, the Soul Eater opened his eyes slowly to meet her blue eyes once more. He smiled foolishly as his right hand reached out to her face, his thumb caressing her bottom lip. "Is that a question you dare ask your husband?" Angeal pouted like a child. "Tell me you love me... or I’ll cry." Devin chuckled, making Angeal pout more as she narrowed her eyes at him. When Devin ceased his jovial laughter, he didn’t answer her question. Instead, he bent down as he pulled her closer to him, his lips smoothly landing on hers to give her a loving kiss. ’I love you, Angeal. Before I even knew it, my heart yearned for you.’ ~ Punished by the Almighty Seraphim, Devin was branded a fallen angel and was given a curse to become a Soul Eater—a being who is hungry for souls and feeds on them for sustenance. Devin was bound on earth, looking for clues on how to cure his irrevocable curse until a desperate old man saw the Soul Eater and begged him to save his newborn granddaughter’s life. However... it comes with the price of selling both of their souls. With the old man giving both of their lives to the Soul Eater, what path lies ahead for Angeal as she grows in a house full of magical immortals? ~ The Almighty Seraphim sighed, shaking herself from her thoughts. She then spoke, planting more curiosity in the mind of the Dominion who was watching over the Soul Eater. "Continue watching over them. She is his cure, but it will lead her to oblivion.” ~ With the Soul Eater cursed and with them eventually knowing that the sweet innocent girl he saved is the cure, will their relationship be a boon or a bane? Will they perhaps have sweet love, forbidden love... or maybe even both? With the given thoughts at hand, will fate bless their lives... or curse them even more? Let us know the answers to these questions as we unravel the story of Angeal being the Soul Eater’s Possession. ~ NOTE: COMPLETED Some chapters may contain R-18 content. Also, this is a slow-burn romance. Vol 1: Nunc Domum When the Soul Eater, Devin, and his personal servant, Ivar, found no clues about the curse, they finally went home after 18 years. However, when the two arrived in the mansion, Devin's curse suddenly went amok when he met the human girl, Angeal. What could be the girl's involvement in his curse? Vol 2: Est Ignotum As the immortals and the mortals spent their days with each other, they are more confused than ever with not only with the feelings they have for a certain person, but also with their background, with their loyalty, and with what lies ahead. To them, there are a lot of things that are unknown... Vol 3: Actio Culmen Cadentia The peak of their lives had finally arrived as secrets and revelations, stirring their judgments and what they believe in. As they all go on with their lives, what will they decide for others, and of course, for themselves? Vol 4: Et Requiem With all the events that had transpired, each one of them had started to question one's judgment and decisions. Now that these actions had been falling, what will Devin, Angeal, and everyone do to face what's ahead of them? Vol 5: Insidiamini Torquet Everyone's lives are now practically caught in series of unexpected twists and turns. As they are to face the challenges that are thrown at them, what would everyone do as everyone is in it for a shocking revelation about their fate? Will they fight for friendship, freedom, or for love? Vol 6: Felices In Aeternum Now that the curse of Devin had been lifted, each of them then had their own happy ending. In this volume, let us now read and witness each and every one's life as they journey through their happily ever after. ~ Cover commissioned to: Chainslock Entry for WSA 2020 Want to further show your support? Send me a ko-fi~! ^^ Link: https://ko-fi.com/mysticamy4.9
"Who are you, Sebastian?" "I think I can ask the same. Where did you come from, Anastasia?" As soon as the last syllable escapes my lips, we find ourselves interlocked in a kiss. Knowing my full attention, I stop to ask, "Are you sure you want to do this, Anastasia?" "The only thing I'm sure of is the way you are making me feel." Unable to contain myself, I pull her into a fiery and passionate kiss. All my thoughts are obliterated. For the first time in over two hundred years, I am kissing a mortal woman. I can feel the hunger grow inside me, the pleasure building towards a peak. I pull her even tighter into my body. I can smell her arousal, and it only fuels me. The kiss is getting deeper and deeper with every breath that we take.......... For over two hundred years, the Vampire master, Sebastian Belmont, has been an intimidating presence, striking fear into the hearts of all who dare cross him. With an insatiable thirst for danger and supernatural power, he rules his empire with an iron fist, leaving a trail of bitter ex-lovers in his wake. But now, his path is about to cross with a young girl named Anastasia Santi, who, despite her strong will, always finds herself in need of rescue. One fateful night, Sebastian takes things too far, setting himself on a new path towards a destiny that will lead him to confront all things that go bump in the night. But at the end of it all lies the ultimate sacrifice...He must give up his immortality... Will he be willing to give up the one thing he values the most to achieve his legacy?4.8
WARNING some chapters may trigger the reader. Emelia Beaumont first princess of the Redodel Empire and known as the Empire's flower. But soon her name was tarnished as the Empire fell onto the hands of the Vivian Empire. The two empires have been fighting for six years however victory reigned on the Vivan Empire, giving them access and power against the Redodel Empire. "I am not someone who would be a use to you," The platinum blonde girl coldly said to the black-haired guy who didn't seem to be fizzled by her words. Instead, it pinned his interest in her. "Are you sure? Because sooner or later you'll fall in love with me," The black-haired man answered with a sarcastic smile. "Fall in love? My frozen heart won't melt for you," She sneered as the two guards that pushed her down to the floor forced her to lower her head. "Then let's play a game, shall we? If you lose you are mine." Emelia laughed pathetically then answered, "No matter what challenge you bring to me I will overcome it." The black-haired man is named, Elliot Lucius Renaud. The current and youngest emperor of the Vivan Empire. Who fell in love with the princess of the Redodel Empire. The platinum blonde girl is named, Emelia Louis Beaumont the princess of the fallen empire. Who eventually fell in love with the Vivan Empire's emperor, Elliot. Is it fate or coincidence that brought them together? ======================================== Cover Art commissioned from: @laylee_hiu Join my server: https://discord.gg/SSvspaDbB2 NOTE: EDITING WILL COME ONCE THE BOOK IS COMPLETED NO STEALING OF THE ART. IT BELONGS TO ME4.9
[COMPLETED] Starting from painting to becoming love? Jennifer Dean, a model student, majoring in art, one day met Daniel Alexander at an art gallery. Starting from their match of interest, Jenni, this innocent but smart girl, has a relationship with Daniel, who turns out to be a young CEO of K'D Corporation Company ?? Can an ordinary girl adapt to the luxurious environment of Daniel, the workaholic CEO? Can she defend Daniel when Kylie, her love rival, continues to chase Daniel? Not only that, but Daniel's father also made a deal with Jenni without Daniel knowing? What kind of agreement is that? Will it threaten their relationship? Est-Ce La Fin. Is this the end? The end of our relationship or is it the beginning of everything? Read-only in the novel "Mr. CEO, Paint My Love in Your Heart." [Note: The sequel : Daddy’s Beloved Baby. If you wanna see the trailer of this novel, you can check my ig : @gldseya] ——4.8
A runaway maiden finds herself entangled in a tale of horror when she saves the Bride of a prince from a Haunted Castle. --- WARNING: HEAVY SUPERNATURAL ELEMENTS, GORE, DISTURBING THEMES, SLOW-BURN ROMANCE, RICH-IN-STORY NOVEL! I hope you like this story. If you wish, please support this tale by voting, rating, and commenting. Your feedback on typos or bad grammar is welcomed and appreciated.4.9
[Completed] Days after Hope saved her village from a terrifying monster, she is ripped from her forest home by the vicious Lord Drake. Her special ability to tame animals makes her the perfect candidate to resolve his problem. The essence of the most powerful and cruel dragon resides inside him. But Hope is not lost! Before long, Hope finds herself intrigued by Drake. She doesn't know who is more ruthless, the man or the dragon. Will she be able to tame the Fire Dragon? Or will taming the man prove to be even harder? Drake is an exiled prince and a monster with a beast inside of him. Finding someone wild and bold who can wreak havoc in his life was something he never thought possible. Will he be able to cope with his new feelings? Buckle up for a violent roller coaster of romance, humor, wild animals, and wilder humans. WPC#173 - Bronze Tier Winner ----- Excerpt He sat up from his throne and walked down the steps towards Hope. At her threat, Drake grabbed her neck and pushed her onto the wall with the full intensity of his power. His face was so close that she could feel his hot breath on her cheeks. Lime crumbled beneath Drake's sharp nails as Hope heard his husky and threatening voice. "I will see this beast and how it fares in the arena. If you can't survive, then so be it, but I would prefer you alive so I can tame you." Drake's eyes were glowing, and the murderous feeling stirring toward her was weighing heavy on Hope's chest, leaving her breathless. Or was his hand on her neck? She glared into his eyes defiantly. "The real question is who will be tamed and who will be the tamer." ----- Warning! Mature content. Discord: https://discord.gg/EfgNv8ru2z My website: https://helenbold.com New Book: Bloody Full Moon Credit for the cover goes to its rightful owner.4.7
COMPLETED. (WARNING: R18 on chapter 200+ onwards. This is a SLOW BURN ROMANCE. Read at your own risk.) ** On a secluded mountain situated upon a kingdom known as Feuersturm, resides a seemingly trifling cabin with an unlikely duo as its inhabitant—a witch, and her apprentice who presumably comes from a clan sought after by slave traders. Faustina is a sixteen-year-old girl who fled the slave market with the help of a sickly witch named Eula, who later on trained her as an apprentice for the span of seven years. Plagued with a mysterious disease for several years, Eula died despite the efforts Faustina had exerted to cure her; in her last breath, she left an odd request behind. "Sustain the king's life. This is your duty. Do not adhere to the prophecy." To which the odd plea shadowed a bizarre series of events, a consequential sentence; similar to that of a premonition. The same night the phrase was muttered, the chain of events followed: A warlock's intrusion to their home, with a peculiar yearning to resurrect Eula from the dead... and the king himself, asking for Faustina’s aid.5
Warning! Mature Content! Cover By: Natsuko Art Eleonore Victorine is a beautiful woman who works as an interior designer in a large company in the city of London. Her life it was fine before, has to fall apart when she meets a wealthy businessman named Marvelo Salvador! The mad man who claims to be the King and Eleonore is the Queen. Which makes Ele's days even worse .. Marvelo is the king of darkness who is a mixture of blood fairies and vampires, he reigns hundreds of years and leads the world from behind a throne ... Marvelo's power was able to make Ele out of work and not accepted by any company in the city of London .. Eleonore blames God's destiny, because she feels that God is unfair to Ele's life. However, Eleonore doesn't realize that there is actually a sincere love from Marvelo that Ele often ignores her existence. How is their story going? the moment of magic touch, the story of the past, the present situation, and the arrogance of Eleonore who never thought that Marvelo's love was real. will all that bring them together and have a happy ending? nobody knows. because we will discuss everything in the next chapters.4.9
....he turns around and walks closer to you. His hands are inches away from yours and he searches your eyes. You smell his musky scent and it prickles all your senses. You don't know if it's his dark brown eyes staring into your heart or the way his face glows for you, but you feel excitement brewing. "Lady Winters, it's so kind of you to see into my soul and show me your affection for my trouble. This is what attracts me so. You don't just see the King, but you see me. I have a lot of troubles, Lady Winters but when I'm with you, every last one disappears...." It's the 19th century. The King is betrothed to Princess Catherine since infancy. You're a woman of nobility and the King is head over heels for you...4.6
Finding true love is not an easy thing. Especially when your parents ask you to go to marriage interviews. You worry constantly and need to take Daily vitamins to be able to help your weak body. This is what Amelia's life is like. She dreams of falling in love, maybe setting her eyes on someone and knowing that he was the one. Next in line to take over the Hospital Gabriel is stuck going to arranged meetings in his spare time but honestly what spare time does an eighteen-year old medical student really have? He dreams of the one that is always matching his scores and his eyes are drawn to her even if she doesn’t notice him. Will fate allow him to be with her or will his parents tie him down with someone else. How will their love story pan out? Will they be forced to marry someone that they do not care for or will their parents' cave and let them fall in love and live in bliss? A glimpse of the story ahead: Amelia walked through the field that was full of flowers smiling and was chasing a child that was no more than two years of age. The child was giggling. The child had stopped and picked a lily. He turned and ran back to Amelia. "Mama! Flower for you!" The little boy handed the flower over and smiled. "My, what a good boy you are. Thank you for your gift." Amelia took the flower and placed it in her hair. Gabriel walked over carrying a girl that was also two years old. "Mama!" The little girl started to squirm in Gabriel's arms trying to get to Amelia. Gabriel laughs happily and lets the girl down then watches her run to Amelia. He walks over and kisses Amelia on the cheek. "I can not believe that we had two beautiful children. Your illness hasn't spiked back up has it, my angel?" Amelia smiled up at him sweetly. "No, not as of late." She rests her hand on her belly and smiles up at Gabriel. "But I do not think that our twins will mind having another sibling, What do you think my love?" Gabriel's eyes light up. He picks her up and spins her around. "When did you find out and how did I not know about it??" "Just yesterday. Kazuki is the one that diagnosed me. I never thought that I would be strong enough for this and yet here we are." Once her feet are on the ground she hugs Gabriel, rubs her stomach then bends down and hugs the two children on the ground. "Are you two ready to be a big brother and big sister?" "Mama has a baby growing in her tummy?" The little girl looks up and tilts her head to the side. Gabriel happily bent down and kissed both children on the head. "Don't worry. You will always be our babies too."4.9
[COMPLETE] Can a royal Romeo and Juliet find their happy ending? Ayleth, Princess of Zenithra, is secretly trained in hand-to-hand combat, and collects swear words she doesn't know how to use. During the Festival of Peace, in which every royal son on the continent will be at the castle for a month, she is instructed by her parents to find a husband. Yet, Ayleth has never even been kissed—until the very first ball, when she meets the man in the Lion mask. Etan is a seasoned warrior, and the Prince of Summitras. He attends the Festival hoping to find a powerful wife who will help him conquer the dark sorcery of their bloodsworn enemies, the Kingdom of Zenithra. But at the very first ball, he discovers the masked woman who captures his heart is the Heir to the evil empire. Ayleth and Etan face an impossible battle. Will their love survive? Or will their parents' dark dealings keep them apart forever? [Mature content. No sexual violence.] ****** “You…” She stepped back. Then back again, her mouth dropped open. “You… You cannot be…” “I am,” Etan said, and his hair raked back as he pushed his mask off his handsome face. So handsome her heart raced. His hair was ebony black, his skin a warm brown that threatened to fade in in the winter months. He stared at her with glittering green eyes, over high cheekbones and a noble nose, his jaw tight and shadowed this late in the day. His chin was high over the pillar of his neck that she’d just touched with its hard lines and steel strength, so different to her own. And his chest... She gasped and covered her eyes. She’d humiliated herself revealing her stupid, childish curiosity. “No, Ayleth. This changes nothing.” “How can you say that? It changes everything!” She was horrified to realize she was crying. “Ayleth, please.” His voice cracked on the plea and she stared at him, shoving her mask up and off, despite how it would pull her hair out of the beautiful twist the maid had managed for her. His eyes locked on hers and she couldn’t think. She couldn’t breathe. She had met her One. And he was the son of her bloodsworn enemy. She stared at him as he stepped forward again, offering both hands, palm up. “Touch me,” he whispered. “Hold my hands. This is real, Ayleth. I don’t know how it happened, but this is real. Please don’t deny it.” She couldn’t resist. She raised a trembling hand to his cheek, letting her palm catch on the scruff of his jaw. He blew out a breath and put his hand over hers, and that jolt that happened whenever they touched shivered through her again. “Please, Ayleth.” “I cannot deny it,” she whispered. [Cover specially commissioned and illustrated image by Same Van Rijn. See more of their amazing art on Instagram: @same.vanrijn]