PenelopeWonderWood
In Ashmere, devotion to the queen must never outweigh devotion to the crown.
When Cordelia ascends the throne after years of exile, she inherits a kingdom still uneasy from war - and a father's death no one is willing to question. Declared natural, the king's passing leaves behind too many unanswered truths and a crown far heavier than it appears.
Alaric Vale has devoted his life to Ashmere. Once the late king's most trusted adviser, he now serves the queen with the same unwavering loyalty. Guiding her through power, politics, and the dangers of rule is his sworn duty. Caring for her beyond that is a risk he cannot afford.
As questions surrounding the king's death begin to surface, Cordelia and Alaric are bound together by trust, responsibility, and a shared commitment to the realm. But the closer they grow, the more dangerous their bond becomes as it challenges the very oath that binds them.