Alexandra is worried: it's a dangerous time for her father to be the Spartan army's general. With numerous consecutive defeats from the once proud army, rumours are spreading about a so-called "Wisdom's curse". With the army's superstitious captain, will Alexandra's father ever be safe?
Aquilina is distraught: two days ago, a fisherman found her mother's body in Rome's river Tiber, amd deliverd the news the next day, the same day her father was elected a Senator. When it is revealed that the Emperor's murder is down to one traitor in the Senate, Aquilina begins to wonder if she will be completely orphaned after his next meeting.
Freyja is famished: it's been months since the harvest failed, and the village of Serpent's Rock is slowly dying. Her father, the village chief, has already left Sweeden in hope of finding a new home for the villagers. When she sees the huge storm brewing over the sea, she thinks it's an omen from stealing the beautiful brooche from the village shrine.
Bastet is oblivious: she knows not why her father has disappeared, nor of the war that is threatening to take place outside her backyard! With the help of a few new friends, can she uncover the secrets behind her family name, Panther, and possibly use this to unite Egypt's two kingdoms for good?
Can all four girls learn to control an ancient gift; before it becomes a curse?
Just when she's decided to leave the Town, Lady Cressida Belverst is forced to marry Lord Calan Haverston, the man who coincidentally knows a way out. Agreeing to marry for all the wrong reasons, can Cressida and Calan find out where their hearts truly belong?
***
It is impossible to leave the Town, but one woman is determined to escape with the help of her betrothed.
Lady Cressida Belverst has always been judged as a walking scandal. Oh, how she tries (on some rare occasions) to be proper! When her parents arrange for her to marry a rich lord, Cressida has had enough. She has to leave the Town because she will not be forced to live with a man she doesn't love. But what happens if the very man she's betrothed to is the only one who can help her get out?
Calan Haverston, the Lord of Easton, takes the risk and helps his betrothed by using his knowledge of the Town's secrets because he is as willing as she to stay free of marriage for reasons completely different. He has dark secrets he cannot share with her, and his life is not one he can likewise open to anyone. But what happens when she leaves after awakening desires he thought he has under control? And what happens when he finds himself longing for her?
Cressida goes to a completely different place, one she has only heard in stories and read in books, with hopes of finding what her heart has always longed for. But love, mystery and secrets will chase her and it will only be a matter of time before she realizes what her heart truly desires.
*This story is a standalone title in the Haverston Family series.