In the Empire of Evervast, where bloodlines dictate power and magic is both a gift and a curse, Talia Blair Serenity is the only daughter of the formidable Grand Duke of Serenity. Born with platinum blonde hair, piercing red eyes, and a latent power over blood, she stands apart-not just by birth, but by strength.
When the Empire celebrates the end of a brutal war, Talia is thrust into a world of political intrigue, imperial expectations, and the watchful eyes of the Crown Prince, Dylan-a man as infuriating as he is magnetic, with silver eyes and a power that rivals her own. From debutante balls to crown princess selections, from magical training to navigating the treacherous waters of the court, Talia must balance her independence, her powers, and the growing tension between duty and desire.
Every year, nobility and royalty from near and far gather together to court and find matches for the Season.
Rowan never thought she would find herself in the Season at all, being a lowly peasant from the countryside. But a chance encounter as a child might have set her on a path she never dreamed possible.
Could this ridiculous notion of courting a bunch of rich spoiled brats actually bring her to her soul mate? Or just leave her heartbroken and worse off than before?
"Was he just teasing me? Was this just some point to prove that he knew I was attracted to him even though I clearly hated him?
My thoughts were so jumbled I couldn't work through them.
Some very small voice in the back of my head was yelling at me and asking what the hell I was doing. But it continued to get smaller and smaller every time his fingers and lips grazed my skin.
All I knew now was how amazing his skin felt on mine.
It was clear where he was going.
He was going to kiss me.
And I wanted him to."
[[word count: 70,000-80,000 words]]