Ashes of Honour

Elias Valenford once stood at the pinnacle of nobility, but now he's a fallen lord-haunted by his family's sins and forced to repay debts he can never fully clear. Hidden behind rouge, silk, and a carefully constructed facade, he walks the glittering world of aristocracy, terrified of being recognized for the man he truly is. But when survival demands more than pretending, Elias must confront the desires he's spent years suppressing-and the man who stirs them.

Victor Beaufort, the Marquise, is bored with the endless responsibilities of his title. Eager for an escape, he returns to court for a rare day of freedom. But what he finds are unfamiliar faces-especially one blue-eyed stranger who sparks a curiosity he can't ignore. Victor feels drawn to Elias in a way he's never experienced, intrigued by the layers of mystery surrounding him and a desire to unravel the man behind the mask. When Elias unexpectedly asks him for a dance at a lavish ball, Victor is unable to resist, though something in his gut tells him there's more to Elias than meets the eye.

In a world where love is a luxury and trust is a risk, can Elias reclaim his honour without losing himself to desires? And when Victor's fascination with Elias grows deeper, will he uncover the truth Elias is desperately trying to hide, or will the secrets destroy them both?