There once was a king who ruled in power, majesty and glory. His presence made princes and dignitaries alike bow. And by his side, the fairest of them all; intelligent, kind, compassionate, beautiful. A queen fit for such a great ruler, a woman well versed in femininity and leadership. Their relationship was built on love, sincerity and trust. Or at least, it once was...
He was no longer satisfied with her, because more power brought him more desire. Every night he would stow away to defile their marriage, while she would lay in wake for his return, hoping his heart would return to hers.
Time brought them to their knees, and she left while he lost. What would become of two broken hearts that needed yet ruined each other? And what would become of the great kingdom they had built without its complete leadership? They warned him he would rip the consequences and they told him pride would always be one's downfall. But that is a painful lesson this king had to learn.
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.