The kingdom of Eldrin, teetering on the brink of chaos, Kaelith Xandros, the charming yet ruthless heir of House Xandros, skillfully maneuvers through the treacherous world of court politics. Renowned for his composed demeanor and enigmatic smile, he hides his true nature behind layers of intrigue, pulling strings from the shadows to keep his family neutral amidst the power struggle between three royal princes vying for the throne.
When Kaelith senses a mysterious connection with Aveline Greythorne-the perceptive yet underestimated daughter of a border count-he sees an opportunity. Presenting their union as a strategic alliance to secure the eastern borders, Kaelith proposes a marriage. Aveline, who initially came to the capital to ensure her family's stability, finds herself drawn into the subtle games of the Xandros family, where every glance and word carries hidden weight.
Their arranged marriage becomes a delicate dance of power, trust, and unspoken emotions. Kaelith is intrigued by Aveline's hidden strength, while she learns to navigate the dangerous currents of court life at his side. As external threats mount-rival factions, shifting alliances, and an unpredictable First Prince-they begin to realize that their union may hold the key to surviving the coming storm.
Together, they must balance their growing connection with the harsh realities of a kingdom where loyalty is a fragile commodity, secrets can turn deadly, and love becomes the most potent weapon of all.
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.