The Duke's Reluctant Bride - Shigure - Wattpad

The Duke's Reluctant Bride

ShigureShinyGaze

Reads 5,173
Votes 1,537
Parts 16
Time 3h 49m

Reads 5,173
Votes 1,537
Parts 16
Time 3h 49m

ShigureShinyGaze

Mature

1 new part

adventure ancientpropechy betrothal enchantedkingdom epicfantasy fantasy fantasyromance fluff historical historicalromance love mystery nobility prophecy reluctantbride romance slowburnromance strongheroines winter

#🏆 Awarded 1st place in the Historical Category of The Aureus Awards.


In the enchanting kingdom of Veridonia, where magic flows through every part of daily life, traditions and ancient spells hold a quiet power over the realm.

Lady Adeline Wycliffe, the adventurous and spirited daughter of Viscount Wycliffe, dreams of a life unfettered by noble expectations. With a sharp mind, a kind heart, and a secret gift for magic, she yearns to explore the world beyond the rigid walls of nobility. But her aspirations come to an abrupt halt when her family arranges her marriage to the enigmatic Duke of Wintermere, a man she's heard of only in whispers.

Duke Lucien Valenhart is known for his honor, his strategic brilliance, and the aura of winter that seems to follow him. Steadfast in duty but guarded at heart, Lucien sees marriage as a necessity, a way to strengthen alliances. Love, to him, is a luxury he cannot afford.

Bound by duty but brought together by circumstance, Adeline and Lucien find themselves navigating the grandeur of court life and the quiet magic that fills the Duke's estate. Facing unexpected dangers, enchanting mysteries, and the warmth of small, shared moments, they begin to see each other in a new light. But to truly find one another, they must first let down their walls and open their guarded hearts.All Rights Reserved

adventure ancientpropechy betrothal enchantedkingdom epicfantasy fantasy fantasyromance fluff historical historicalromance love mystery nobility prophecy reluctantbride romance slowburnromance strongheroines winter

Table of contents

16 parts

Sign up to add The Duke's Reluctant Bride to your library and receive updates

or

Content Guidelines

You may also like

Jewels of the Crown by heliotropegirl

Adellia has grown up surrounded by rules and regulations. She's been prepped from birth to eventually reside in the throne that has been in her family for what feels like forever. Unfortunately, her destiny is quickly approaching. Her father is dead, and her mother has only a couple of months to live according to doctors. All eyes in the castle, and kingdom, turn to Adellia expecting her to step into her mother's shoes. However, both women aren't ready to give up their lives just yet. Wanting to learn more about her kingdom, and the people of it, before she is forced into an arranged marriage and the throne for the rest of her life, Adellia ventures out into the kingdom to do just that. While there, Adellia meets a young blacksmith by the name of Faron and gets sucked into a plot that goes against her, and her mother's wishes. Will she be able to venture into the unknown, and survive out of the watchful eye of the palace? This book has sexual reference and mentions of things that could possibly be triggering to some - e.g. young motherhood and loss of a parent. This work is usually split into two parts, but I have decided to take down the second part, and consider the first part, one book for now, so I can work on the second. When the second part/book has been finished, I'll decide whether I like it as one book or to reincorporate the rest of the book to make it one. Entered in the Wattys(2020)!

Hidden In Shadows, A Fae and Vampire Romance: Shadow Court Chronicles, Book 1 by ClaireGrimes

When a beautiful, arrogant Unseelie Princess is forced to flee her family castle on her wedding night, she has to embrace the darkness of the shadow court or risk leaving her young brother trapped in the torturous hands of her husband, the devious Seelie Prince. She never expected love to occur in her arranged marriage. As a princess in the Unseelie Court, she grew up understanding that her life was to serve the people. She walked into her arranged marriage to a Seelie Prince understanding that love was not going to happen. What she did not expect was for her Seelie husband trying to kill her thirty minutes into their marriage with poison. A bloody coup sends her running with her bodyguard, Kieran, on her wedding night. Now she has to stay one step ahead of her murderous husband as she attempts to gather allies, discover the secrets to claim her birthright and get her much needed revenge. Thankfully she has some help in the form of a sexy nightwalker, Vincent, as she fights to stay one step ahead of the light to stay hidden in the shadows. If you love Fae romance stories with Hot Sexy Vampires, this sizzling fast paced tale is right up your alley. Scroll down and start reading to discover if Lyssandra is able to resist the sexy Nightwalker Vincent who harbors deep hate for her.

Unwittingly by happyperson081

"All of the noble ladies, aged 18-20, and all of the noble lords, aged 18-25, are invited to attend a betrothal celebration. On the first night, a masquerade ball shall take place, so you know not what the other person looks like. This is to keep the identity of the Prince Damien a secret. On the second day, there shall be a garden party, on the third day there shall be a sparring match for the men and a beauty day for the women, on the fourth dates, and on the fifth, the betrothals. Any and all questions must go to Hebert at the palace. Thank you," the small man stepped down from the podium in the center of town square, and as soon as he hopped into his carriage and road away, the square became alive with buzz. ** Lady Emray Evergreen wants to find her soul mate, but she doesn't want to go through a betrothal celebration to find him. Prince Damien Lovette wishes not to marry, and wants to stay away from the betrothal celebration at all costs. What happens when their fates become entwined? ONC 2021 Longlister Prompt number 87: With the Kingdom Heir coming-of-age celebration fast approaching, the search for a match begins. It is decreed a dance will be held; an anonymous masked ball. Cover Credits to meha-k

Swapped Fate by rikaaraji468

No one would expect those of the wealthy high society to mingle with the lowly and poor; not when it's for something as sacred as a marital bond. Lady Fate, however, seems to have differing views when she lands the orphaned Mavis right into the den of high society to become the daughter-in-law of the reputable and esteemed Devereux family. Tristan, her soon-to-be husband, is a cocky and vexatious force to reckon with, whom she constantly butts heads with in a war of words, emotions and actions. But when life-threatening situations are hurled their way and the Devereux family has upon its hands a set of recurring crises, the two quarrelbirds' only way to prevent its downfall might be....togetherness. * Some crossing swords, a bit of firing guns, adequate meeting of eccentric species and races, quite some touring of mystical lands with a heavy dose of the love potion.

The Cave to Kingdom Merobolis ✔ by LadyLightSword

UPDATIONS: Completed NOTE: Story is in journal format "And by prophecy shall it be revealed... Two made by the bond of the halfling's blood... Shall she rise by blood and flesh... One being different from the rest, pure of heart and soul... The other being evil as time itself..." The time of the prophecy is at hand. When unsuspecting teens Josephine and Emily finds a mysterious cave in the middle of the forest will they forever lost the touch of their world and fall for the mysteries beyond? Josephine has entered a world that only existed in one's wildest dreams. This was not a dream to Josephine. As in dreams we enter a world that's entirely our own but this is not what she could mould to her wishes. One wrong move and all could crumble. But sometimes we require fantasy to survive reality. They set out to the ancient Elven Kingdom of Merobolis. The King being Faeranduil, the 4th successor of Thranduil King of the Woodland Realm of Northern Mirkwood, and his son Daemeon Prince of Merobolis. As days pass by the girls thought things would go as smoothly as they live amongst the elves. But can Josephine handle the love triangle that has formed around her? Will she tremble and fall when she finds the betrayal among the group? As Josephine slowly unveils the horror and Epic truth of her origin, will the horrifying truth blind her from her original goal or will she be able to defy and destroy the darkness that lies within the walls...? As mystery and fantasy goes the beauty of unreal things is when we open the delicately intricate pages of life's deepest darkest mysteries... [[Word Count: 20,000 - 30,000 words ]] Awards: 🥇Gemstone awards 2021 (Action & Adventure) 🥇EcoGlobe Lovelies Awards (Adventure) 🥈Ferocious Lovers Awards (Action/Adventure/Fantasy) 🥇Best Descriptive scenes (Chapter 17) Raven Awards 🥈Best Descriptive scenes (Chapter 12) Potootie Awards 🥇Best Descriptive scenes (Chapter 17) High Sky Awards ננ

Kolibrie by Exequinne

The Mayaware's reign must end. In a world of demonic beings with a hunger for human flesh and thirst for blood, Hesi Renen knows it well. When her siblings are taken to the harvesting farms, she must do everything she can to get them out, even if it means masquerading as a potential bride to the Mayaware prince. As Hesi wades through a sea of blood and secrets, she must win over not only allies, but maybe even the demon prince, himself. With ties forged and heart burning with want, she discovers how much she is willing to sacrifice to grasp the one thing she must destroy: the Mayaware king's throne. The race to the top is at hand. There is a chance, but not without a price to pay. Delve into a tragic tale about the fight for freedom, the blood borne from betrayal and failure, and the fate of a kingdom built upon the ashes of the innocent. Victory spells freedom, but don't forget―death does too. ˜"°•.˜"°•˜"°•.˜"°•˜"°•.˜"°• © 2023 (First Edition) © 2024 (Second Edition) C/TW: Some scenes in this story contain depictions that might upset or trigger the reader. Please read at your own risk. [70,000 - 75,000 words] [All graphics are made by @sardonictabby] 🏆 MOON AWARD (2nd) - OPEN DOOR AWARDS 2024 🏆 PARANORMAL WINNER - OPEN DOOR AWARDS 2024

Briarborne by EllisBeddoe

In the far western regions of Tayrul, beyond the coasts of Kemmaweth and Ostaviel, is the fractured Empire of Nyllensari, the realm of the fae and their many courts. One kingdom in particular that has resisted the rule of the Mynetheas Dynasty for millennia is that of Illyethluna, the realm of Dark Elves. Kept fully under Unseelie rule and ruled over by the royal Jhalvar family, it has become a place of strife and intrigue. Poisoned wine and daggers like thorns. An orderly anarchy, full of backstabbing courtiers and ruthless warlords. It's a place where the weak and enfeebled have no right to be, should they value their lives. Born to the greatest power in this realm, Vellienne's very existence damages her family's ruthless and cruel image. Tarnished their reputation. Born early and frail, white as a sheet and agonized by sunlight, Vellienne is kept by her mother Zeldiira, away from a world she wishes to hold in the palm of her hand, no matter how delicate. Plagued by her envy in her brothers' successes and her parents' dismay, as well as loathing for how her own body prevents her from achieving such heights, Vellienne begins to plot and conspire to become greater than was thought possible for her. Greater than her own kin. She would become someone else entirely, if that is what it took.

Royal Fools by greenwriter

As Sutherland's new king, Emory Davercher faces countless challenges, but nothing as excruciating and frustrating as his mysterious, eccentric betrothed. *** When King Emory of Sutherland receives news that his betrothed is on her way to Sutherland, he sends her away before even laying eyes on the woman he has no intention of marrying. Months later, after a narrow escape from an assassination, he flees to his childhood home where he discovers a massive problem. Due to an unfortunate mishap, his betrothed has not left Sutherland. She's been in his secret estate all along. Grand Princess Florence Paulet of Gavaria and her cousin, Lucy, thinks her arrival in Sutherland will be easy. She doesn't expect that her betrothed, King Emory of Sutherland, will send her straight to an empty estate on an island where they fend for themselves for months. And when he finally shows up, he has the audacity to fool her by introducing himself as someone else. After having killed dozens of chickens with her bare hands to stay alive, and with lying as her ultimate weapon for survival since she left Gavaria, what else can an annoyed, blithe, and audacious Florence do? Of course, she has to return the favor and make him twice the fool. He thinks he's fooling her, and she finds fun knowing it's the other way around. As the harsh winter traps them in the estate, lies, little accidents, and undeniable attraction draw them together stronger than the snowstorm. But not as much as Florence's true reasons for leaving Gavaria, which are also making their way to Sutherland.

The Colorless Land by Rubyleaf

Far to the north lies a land in black and white. A curse lies upon it, robbing its people of their courage, free will and emotion to lock them in three pendants in the hands of their leaders. Jolette has lived just south of that land for all thirteen years of her life. But never once has she seen one of its people-until the day a Colorless boy turns up in her village, carrying one of his people's most prized possessions: the pendant of Free Will. She quickly becomes his friend, but she has barely had time to get to know him and name him Edmian when the Colorless come for him. By sheer luck she and Edmian escape. But her village, with everyone she knows, is captured and taken to the Colorless Land. Left to their own devices, the two set out to rescue the villagers while outrunning their own pursuers. Aid comes from a secret prince trying to save his own family from the Colorless, as well as his warrior bride. And yet the clock keeps ticking. For the Colorless' magic is slowly destroying the villagers' humanity, and the Colorless People are preparing a war against all the world. What can two teenagers, a hidden royal, a military commander on leave, an old lady spirit, an elf and a dwarf possibly do against a power on the rise? And what about the two married women who were captured without their daughter? But sometimes the smallest individuals can change the course of history... COMPLETED 9-8-2019

The Heiress' Dilemma by stuDEATH

Adeera had but one wish: to claim her rightful place as the heir to her father's fortune and title. When her claim was threatened, she was willing to do whatever it took to secure her future, even if it meant crossing paths with a crown prince whose haughty demeanor was surpassed only by his lust for power. In the opulent kingdom of Ivor, where power and privilege reign supreme, Adeera Aurelia Celeste defies convention. The sole daughter of the King, Adeera is determined to claim her rightful place as heir, shattering the glass ceiling of a patriarchal society. With her goals meticulously planned, she never expected to strike a deal with an arrogant prince, but fate had other plans in store. Prince Vernon Williams, the coveted bachelor of Querencia. With a chiseled physique and razor-sharp wit, Vernon is as ruthless as he is handsome. His heart beats solely for his mother and sister; the rest of the world can burn. As Adeera and Vernon navigate an adventurous path, will they find themselves torn between duty and desire? [Cover by @devarsh_yagnik)

You may also like

Slide 1 of 10

Jewels of the Crown cover

Hidden In Shadows, A Fae and Vampire Romance: Shadow Court Chronicles, Book 1 cover

Unwittingly cover

Swapped Fate cover

The Cave to Kingdom Merobolis ✔ cover

Briarborne cover

Royal Fools cover

The Colorless Land cover

The Heiress' Dilemma cover

Jewels of the Crown

Adellia has grown up surrounded by rules and regulations. She's been prepped from birth to eventually reside in the throne that has been in her family for what feels like forever. Unfortunately, her destiny is quickly approaching. Her father is dead, and her mother has only a couple of months to live according to doctors. All eyes in the castle, and kingdom, turn to Adellia expecting her to step into her mother's shoes. However, both women aren't ready to give up their lives just yet. Wanting to learn more about her kingdom, and the people of it, before she is forced into an arranged marriage and the throne for the rest of her life, Adellia ventures out into the kingdom to do just that. While there, Adellia meets a young blacksmith by the name of Faron and gets sucked into a plot that goes against her, and her mother's wishes. Will she be able to venture into the unknown, and survive out of the watchful eye of the palace? This book has sexual reference and mentions of things that could possibly be triggering to some - e.g. young motherhood and loss of a parent. This work is usually split into two parts, but I have decided to take down the second part, and consider the first part, one book for now, so I can work on the second. When the second part/book has been finished, I'll decide whether I like it as one book or to reincorporate the rest of the book to make it one. Entered in the Wattys(2020)!