Princess Aurelia Valenne

Princess Aurelia Valenne is the sole heir to the throne of Valenne, a poised and intelligent young woman raised for duty but never prepared for how lonely that duty could become. Years ago, her mother died, and on the very day Aurelia was meant to marry, her husband-to-be was killed before he could reach the altar. She buried that future with him and devoted herself instead to her father and the kingdom. Now her father is dead as well, leaving Aurelia queen in all but name, and bound by an old law that requires her to marry and produce an heir if she is to secure the succession.

Refusing to be traded away for politics, Aurelia turns to ancient royal magic. With the kingdom’s scepter, she casts a spell meant not to compel love, but to summon men with whom genuine affection might be possible. Several strangers are suddenly drawn to the castle, each with no idea why they have been chosen. Aurelia is serene, gracious, stubborn, and far more romantic than she admits; beneath the crown is a woman who wants more than a husband on paper. She wants someone she can trust, desire, laugh with, and eventually love, and she intends to decide for herself which of her unexpected suitors, if any, is worthy to stand beside her.