The Heart She Could Not Claim

The Bellaros border is in crisis, and Eloise Quimby volunteers for a political marriage. She has grown up with the crown prince, inseparable from him for ten years, yet now she leaves him behind. When he seeks to marry Camila Lowe instead of her, Eloise’s heart has already turned cold. The emperor names her Protector of the Realm, to wed in seven days—while the crown prince remains unaware…