Lady Victoria Ashdown will do anything to protect her inheritance and defeat her conniving stepmother, even if it means competing against the young, beautiful and talented debutantes in the most wicked social season in town...to find a charming husband. ***** Levi Everard was once a charmer, until he hid himself in his Standbury estate for reasons only he knows. Now, he is back in town, no longer the charmer, but the man forced to find Victoria Ashdown a husband, for friendship's sake. She is his good friend, he tells himself. Nothing more. And good friends are not supposed to kiss... *This story is a standalone title in the Everard Family series. [[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]] Cover designed by Ashley Santoro

A medieval Kingdom ruled by a widow, his daughter is the apple of his eye. The Queen's death bears a shadow over the King, and he must protect his daughter in fear the same fate will become of her. A visit from a neighbouring ally Kingdom, and all his prayers seemed answered. The Princess was old enough to wed, and by a stroke of serendipity, the Kingdom of Arden had a Prince. What the King didn't anticipate, was the Princess' fascination with the Arden knightess. She was to compete among the trials for the spot as the Princess' new protector, and instead of concentrating on her betrothal to the Prince, the Princess was enthralled far more with the Swordswoman. Will she marry for her kingdom, or listen to her heart?

"Why do you hate me?" I breathe softly. "Because I don't have you." He whispers while looking down.