The War Bride
Once childhood friends, now reluctant strangers—Lady Clara Valdemont and General Darrell Storm are bound by an arranged marriage meant to unite two feuding houses. Once allies, the Storms and Valdemonts were torn apart by betrayal and bloodshed. Now, the kingdom’s fragile peace rests on the shoulders of a bride and groom who barely speak.
As Clara walks down the aisle, memories of the boy who used to tease her and teach her how to fish clash with the man waiting at the altar—stoic, cold, and unreadable. Darrell has not forgotten the past, nor has he forgiven it. Their vows are spoken through clenched teeth, their first kiss a mere brush on the cheek.
This is not a love story born of fate—it is one that must fight to be written. In a kingdom of politics, pride, and pain, can two broken hearts learn to beat as one again?
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Chapter: Ch 36: Juliane and JulianMy steps fell softly over the gravel path, my cloak brushing against the flowering hedges. It was peaceful here, deceptively so. I breathed in deeply letting the warmth of the sun settle over my skin. Just as I rounded the lilac arch, a blur of movement startled me.A wild hare darted across the path, no more than a whisper of fur and muscle. I gasped, frozen for a moment, stunned by it's speed. I didn't know they were so near the residence.The groundsmen should be worried of burrows being dug in his garden.As I was staring at where it dissapeared to, and arrow whistled past my ear, grazing the air with deadly precision before burying itself in the bark of the willow tree just ahead.I screamed, the sound torn from my throat as I stumbled backward and fell hard onto the path, gravel biting into my hands. My heart thundered in my ears and the world started spinning for a second."Lady Clara!"Boots pounded the ground. The duke appeared in my vision as I blinked up. Bow in hand, his
Last Updated: 2025-08-09
Chapter: Ch 35: Sweetened bitterness The embroidery needle paused between my fingers, hovering over the delicate floral needlework that no longer held my focus. I'd tried all morning to quiet my mind with the meticulous stitch work that my mother once claimed could cure even the most restless soul.But not today. Not when my soul felt like a wound still bleeding and aching.A knock sounded on the door."Come in," I said without looking up.My maid, Lara, stepped in quietly, her hands folded before her apron. "My lady."I nodded, resuming my needlework with feigned calm."I've brought you a fresh pot of tea," she said, setting the tray down on the side table. "And....some honeyed biscuits."I nodded, again.She didn't budge."Thank you, Lara," I said my voice shadowed with tiredness. "Is there anything else?"She hesitated. "Lord Darell and the his grace went out hunting in the southern woods."I didn't reply, but my hands stilled.She then continued, carefully. "I told Lady Coral as you instructed. That you were unwell
Last Updated: 2025-07-27
Chapter: Ch 34: The day of small hurtsI placed the teacup down with careful deliberation, the porcelain making a soft click on the tray. I rose from the chair, smoothing the folds of my skirts as I stood.Darrell looked up, his eyes briefly catching mine."I'll return to my tasks then," I said, my voice steady despite the strange ache forming in my chest.But as I turned to leave, his voice came again. "We're not done with the ledgers.""We?" I turned to look at him. Who was 'we'? He'd been working on the ledgers alone. He nodded, then put his head back down on the ledgers. "My lord," I called. "I've been seated there, just sipping tea, while you work alone on the ledgers you called me here for.""And?" What was wrong with this man? His nonchalance, him acting like whatever he was doing wasn't strange. Him making me the strange one."Thank you," I said, sighing. "I enjoyed the breakfast. And watching you work the ledgers was quite inspiring and I've learnt a lot.""Have you?" He asked, still not looking up."Yes, My l
Last Updated: 2025-07-24
Chapter: Ch 33: wife in the office The next day arrived with a pale hush, the kind that signaled the seasons were changing. The chill no longer bit as sharply, and the frost that once clung stubbornly to the windows had begun to melt into soft beads of dew.I sat at the vanity, fingers deftly adjusting the ribbon at my collar, my gaze distant.Yesterday, after Darrell left my chambers, I'd finally opened my letter.It was from my mother—gentle, warm and full of the things I hadn't realized I missed so much. She wrote of quite hopes for my well being, her prayers reaching across the miles. She mentioned that my father had with my brothers to help quell a riot near the southern border. And that once it was resolved, my brother Edmund and his wife, who was now expecting, would be moving into a new home of their own.A simple letter.But it had left me aching.The world was changing. My world. I was playing wife. I was no longer the go—merry young lady of the mountains. And the letter reminded me that.I reached for my glo
Last Updated: 2025-07-22
Chapter: Ch 32: Strangers still My heart lifted before I could stop it.The Valdemont crest.After weeks of silence..... finally.I didn't want for permission or pleasantries. My skirts swept behind me as I turned and hurried up the stone path, taking the side stairs two at a time. Darrell had said the letter was sent to my chambers.I reached the door, flinging it open.Empty.The room greeted me with its usual stillness. No scrolls on the desk, no sealed parchment on the table, nothing slipped under the door or resting on the velvet bench near the window.I blinked, stepping in slowly, confused. Perhaps the maid hadn't brought it yet. Darrell said he sent it, not that he had delivered it himself.I turned sharply at the sound of soft footsteps behind me.My maid, Lara, entered with a small curtsy and smile. "My lady, shall I bring your evening shawl—""Lara," I cut in, "has anyone given you a letter for me? From Lord Darrell or anyone else?"Her brows furrowed. "A letter? No, my lady. I've just come from the linen
Last Updated: 2025-07-19
Chapter: Ch 31: Ghosts and truths Julian was fast asleep when we stepped inside Coral's chambers. His tiny chest rising and falling with the gentlest of rhythms. He looked peaceful, utterly untouched by the chaos he'd narrowly escaped.Coral's face softened the instant she saw him.The maid stood from her chair near the cot and offered a smile. "He just fed, my lady. I tucked him in moments ago."Coral nodded and moved slowly towards her bed. "Thank you. You may leave us."The maid gave a curtsy and slipped out quietly.I crossed to the other side of the room, watching as Coral eased herself onto the edge of the bed. Her fingers rubbed absently at her temples.I spoke first, "He might not know."She looked up at me, her voice not convinced. "He might."Her hands dropped to her lap as she stared at Julian, wrapped safely in linens of soft blue and ivory."Perhaps he found him," she murmured. "Or maybe it was Lady Annalise....am scared, Cici."I sat beside her. "Then I'll find out. See if he's guessing or he knows."She
Last Updated: 2025-07-17
A Girl Can Only Dream
Lisa Moon never imagined that a wax-sealed envelope from her high school best friend—who just happens to be a prince—would turn her quiet blogging life upside down. But when she’s invited to the glittering kingdom of Veloria for a month of garden parties and royal indulgence, she packs her doubts and flies across the world in search of magic.
She expects champagne. She doesn’t expect Cassian Velarion—the prince’s mysterious and devastatingly handsome uncle, who she accidentally walked in on wrapped in nothing but a towel at an airport spa.
What begins as awkward tension quickly ignites into something far more dangerous—desire, secrets, and the kind of chemistry that makes rules irrelevant.
But not everyone wants to see Lisa and Cassian together. Victoria Beyers, a cold and calculating noblewoman, will do anything to drive them apart. Jonah, Lisa’s high school ex, isn’t ready to let go. And as the truth about Cassian’s past unravels, Lisa must choose between the life she thought she knew and the love she never expected.
In a world of royalty, revenge, and red roses, A Girl Can Only Dream is a dazzling modern fairytale about forbidden romance, second chances, and finding your place in someone else’s palace.
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Chapter: Ch 17: Ghosts and Confessions The rain was still pouring. It was soft, persistent, the sky had forgotten how to stop since it ripped open in the afternoon. Thunder rumbled distantly, a growl that rolled through the castle walls.I stirred.My room was dark now, the dim light of the afternoon already gone. Only the flicker of lightening illuminated the space in brief silver bursts. I blinked, groggy, eyes adjusting to the shadows.I had just had a much needed nap.I sat up slowly, my limbs heavy from sleep. I stretched my hands before hastily brushing the hair from my face. Another flash of lightning cracked through the sky.....and it illuminated a figure.Seated on the armchair next to the closet.I was not alone.My heart stilled before picking up a fast paced. I became nauseous.I squinted into the dark, rubbing my eyes, hoping my grogginess was tricking me. But when the next bolt hit, the figure was still there. No longer leaning back but now seated up.My back straightened, the hairs at the back of my head on
Last Updated: 2025-07-24
Chapter: Ch 16:Old enough to know better The castle kitchen smelled of roasted garlic and sun dried tomatoes. I leaned on the marble counter, chatting animatedly with the chef, who was dicing fresh herbs with the ease of someone who knew every ingredient by heart."Thank you for the hungover tonic," I said."I've seen worse. You three walked in last night like ghosts wearing wine bottles," he said.I laughed shaking my head. "I'm blaming Cole. He dragged us back because he had some work to do."He gestured towards three short glasses lined up neatly beside a tray of fresh bread. "Drink that before lunch. It'll chase the hungover away."I peered into the glass. "What is it?""Nothing toxic."I raised a brow but took a glass anyway, the yellow liquid swirling ominously. The moment it touched my tongue, my eyes widened."Too spicy?" He grinned.I struggled to swallow. "You could've warned me!""Don't spit it out," he warned. "It's the best hungover remedy, makes you heal in no time."Coughing through the afterburn, I waved him
Last Updated: 2025-07-20
Chapter: Ch 15: Lost in the Vineyard I excused myself with a gentle smile, stepping away from Cole and the small circle of dignitaries. The air near the vineyard's edge was cooler, laced with the scent of ripened grapes and aged oak. I walked slowly, pretending I knew where the washrooms were, when in reality I was just banking on spotting a helpful sign.My phone buzzed in my hand.Unknown number.My heart jumped.Cassian.I answered without thinking. "Hello?"There was a pause, and then, "Hey, Lisa. It's Jonah."Dissapointment washed over me like cold water. I blinked momentarily forgetting I was at a vineyard surrounded by people dressed in velvet and pearls."Oh," I said, trying to cover the sharp drop in my voice. "Hello, Jonah.""Did I catch you at a bad time?"I looked around vaguely. "Not exactly. I'm just....at a wine tasting."He gave a low whistle. "Fancy. So, still on the yacht? I had to leave with Sarah, she's currently unwell.""We're on land right now. Cole brought us to a vineyard," I said. There was ano
Last Updated: 2025-07-19
Chapter: Ch 14: The taste of DuskThe vineyard stretched out like a dream. The vines catching the dying sunlight, rows of grapes cradled in green leaves, and the faint sound of a string quartet playing somewhere near the wine station. The evening air was crisp, filled with the scent of earth and honeyed wine.I swirled the crimson drink in my glass and took a sip, savoring it's smooth richness on my tongue. Cole had surprised us again,. sweeping us off the yacht and straight into Veloria's rolling wine country.Ofcourse, not without drama.Before we'd left, Megan was screeching from the hallway in a satin halter dress."You said this was going to be a party. Cole!"He'd just grinned, completely unfazed. "It is a party.""Wine tasting with old men in suit, isn't a party!"He held a hand on his chest. "I need my favorite girls there. Besides, I'm Veloria's prince."Then, with a wink, "as I'm yours."Megan had groaned, muttering about throttling him later, but she still got in the car.Now, at the vineyard, Cole and Mega
Last Updated: 2025-07-16
Chapter: Ch 13: A Quiet kind of Heartbreak I sat beside Megan and Cole at the long dinner table set on the main deck. Elegant lanterns floated above us, strung from mast to mast, casting warm pool of lights over the carefully plated dishes. The yacht had transformed once again.Across from me sat Victoria, composed, smug as ever in a sleek navy dress that clung to her like it had been stitched on her body. Next to her was, Cassian.He hadn't looked at me once.Not when I walked in, not when I sat down. His eyes had remained on Cole, the horizon and his plate. Anywhere but me.I sipped my wine in silence. I could still feel his mouth on me. I had sobbed myself to sleep after he left. Embarrassed of my choices and myself. When I woke Megan was fussing around me, brushing my hair and picking a dress for me."Victoria took a boat here," Megan had said, brushing highlighter on my cheeks. "Guess she couldn't bear his Lordship alone in a yacht with sexy American girls."Desperate much, indeed.Now victoria turned her head to me, a pr
Last Updated: 2025-07-13
Chapter: Ch 12: Kisses and Consequences The morning sun shimmered across the water. The sea was calm, party long over. I had already freshened up, hair damp from the quick shower and my face scrubbed clean. But no amount of water could wash away the heat crawling up my neck.I remembered everything. The grapes. The teasing. The way Cassian laid beside me, stroking my hair and how close he'd been. How I'd fallen asleep to the rhythm of his voice.He was gone when I woke. No note, just a hollow space beside me.I stepped out onto the deck, the sunlight nearly blinding me after the dim corridor. The scent of the sea breeze and brewed coffee hit me first.Cole and Cassian, were seated at the outdoor table.Cole was in a loose t-shirt and shorts, sunglasses pushed into his air. Cassian sat beside him, dressed as impeccably as ever. Even in casual wear he looked composed and unreadable."Morning, moonshine," Cole greeted cheerfully lifting his cup.Cassian looked up his eyes, meeting mine. "Good morning, Miss Moon."His words wer
Last Updated: 2025-07-10
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