In a ballroom filled with gossiping lords and ladies, he must find an ally... or lose everything.
Sinder St. Ayers is Ellacourt's talented blacksmith, although he should be its ruler. Scheming relatives and swirling rumors of his mother's infidelity have all but guaranteed his claim will be passed up for one of his brothers. The only things standing in their way are Sinder's grandparents and the King of Castlelore's promise to await more evidence. Desperate to beat the ticking clock of his grandfather's fading health, he agrees to attend a royal ball in hopes of winning Princess Charmant's hand -- and the support of her armies.

Princess Henrietta Charmant is eager to ascend her throne and further the good works of her parents, the King and Queen of Castlelore. However, to become the ruler of the realm's mightiest kingdom, she must declare her engagement before the final stroke of midnight at the Midnight Ball, a few short weeks away. While she despairs of finding the paragon able to overlook her fondness for unprincess-like behavior, she sees potential in a mystery nobleman at her coming-out ball, nevermind his arrogance.

With time slipping quickly from their fingers and a growing rebellion beating at their gates, Sinder and Henrietta must unite their hearts and their kingdoms to safeguard their people. When tragedy strikes, the strength of their union will turn the ashes of loss into a blade of vengeance.

Content Warnings: There are no explicit romantic scenes within these pages, but there is mature content that includes (but is not limited to) graphic violence, family illness and death, discussions of legitimacy, family betrayal, sibling rivalry, and challenges to gender roles and societal pressures. Please read with care.

**Part of this story first appeared in serialized fiction form on the Kindle Vella platform, where it remains at the time of this long-form publication.**

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• Literature & FictionMythology & Folk Tales

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• Print Length: 291 Pages
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