"Courage, Destruction, and Faithful Protection"
The people of the land of Qi'aun are gloomy and distressed, and the impending war is doing nothing to relieve any aspect of those feelings. The royal army is doing their very best to calm the chaos between the lands, and the royal family is trying just as hard. There are many forces in which oppose the royalty of Qi'aun, several of which are very dangerous- Especially that of the Chrome, in which the name is never allowed to be spoken in public. Many rumors circle around the likes of this group, several of which, including the attempted assassinations of the three princes, were true.
As a last resort, the king of Qi'aun sent his three sons, Yu Xiu, Cai, and Shang to separate countries that were not a part of this war, for their own protection. Yu Xiu, the youngest, was sent to Ushen, to live with the son of the king's good friend. Cai, the middle child, was sent to Tai-Lan to stay with the family's distant relatives. Lastly, Shang, the oldest, was taken to Yuezui in order to meet his betrothed.
Though in separate places, these three brothers have a connection, and a strong one, at that. Though, bonds can be broken. As can people... Secrets are kept, lives are taken, and innocent blood is spilled. This is fact, and fact can not be changed. Fate is chosen and can not be turned in another direction.... Or can it?
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.