Realm of Dreams and Destiny
Entwined Hearts, #1
by Stella Dale
Date of Publication: July 22nd 2024
Publisher: War of Hearts Publishing
Cover Artist: War of Hearts Publishing
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
ASIN: B0CW19LW6S
Number of pages: 365
Word Count: 102,000+
Tagline: They were bound by destiny long before their hearts were entwined…
BLURB
They were bound by destiny long before their hearts were entwined…
Aralin's life is a complex web woven with delicate threads of secrets and destinies. Born into a world where supernatural creatures are hunted, she hides a dangerous reality.
She is not human.
As a princess and pawn in the royal games of power, she finds herself betrothed to the emperor’s son. Yet, her heart beats for another––a warrior in the emperor’s army, a commoner unaware of her true identity.
Just as her world teeters on the brink of disaster, a mysterious vigilante enters her life, his dark allure tempting her toward rebellion against the oppressive emperor. His charm is undeniable, and his cause justified. With each encounter, their fates become increasingly intertwined.
Caught between two men who awaken different desires within her, Aralin struggles with conflicting feelings of duty and desire. However, a new obstacle arises in the form of an ancient prophecy. As signs of the prophecy reveal themselves, Aralin must make a difficult decision: surrender to the expectations placed upon her by others, or fight for her own fate?
EXCERPT
Marrying someone I’ve never met, especially the son of the emperor, would be…
Dreadful.
Disastrous.
Deadly.
My father swallows hard, something he does when he’s pushing down his emotions, but there’s a firmness in his eyes that conveys the seriousness of the situation. “The emperor has commanded it, Aralin. This isn’t a simple proposal. It’s an order from the emperor himself.”
This is the finality of a decree.
His words settle like a heavy weight in my mind, and a rush of helplessness washes over me. The emperor’s commands are absolute and impossible to defy. The force of his power reverberates through me, leaving me feeling small and insignificant in the face of his authority.
I’m a chess piece in a game of kingdoms and empires where the greater needs of the realm outweigh personal desires. The emperor’s demand is a demonstration of his power, a forceful reminder of the duties and responsibilities that accompany my title.
Let’s not mince words. My life isn’t my own, and it never has been.
This proposed marriage isn’t a simple union between two people. It’s a strategic move in a game where I’m the pawn and the prize is what lies buried deep in the mountains of Wintriness.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “Father, the emperor wants this marriage so he’ll gain access to the natural resources of Wintriness. It’s the truth, and everyone here knows it.”
I’m referring to newly discovered crystallos, a rare and powerful element found only in the frozen depths of Wintriness. Whispers about it have reached my ears, speaking of its ability to bring about the downfall of even the most formidable supernatural creatures. The mere mention of it brings goosebumps to my flesh. Rumored to possess a deadly potency, crystallos can stop the most powerful witch, vampire, werewolf, fae and other supernatural being in its tracks. Its power would be disastrous in the emperor’s hands.
My eyes scan the faces of the king’s hand and the general so I may gage their reactions.
Their expressions are neutral, yet I can’t shake the suspicion that one of them has played a part in this marital arrangement. Possibly both. Those two have always been adept at making power plays and maneuvering behind the scenes to shape the kingdom’s future to their advantage.
The weight of their gazes on me is measuring and calculating. There’s a slight shift in Balius’s eyes, but he gives nothing away. Meanwhile, Indrid maintains his composed facade with perfection.
They’re masters of the political game, and the three of us know I’ve just called out their tactics. All the more reason to get rid of me.
My refusal to accept the emperor’s command would have repercussions reaching far beyond the walls of this throne room. The balance of power, the future of Wintriness and my own fate are all intertwined in this decision.
I won’t be allowed to refuse.
“No matter the motive, I have no say in the matter.”
I hear the defeat in my father’s voice, and my frustration flares. The thought of being used as a bargaining chip in this political game stirs a fierce blaze within me. “The emperor can’t take away the only living heir to the throne of Wintriness.”
My father is composed, but I see the impact of the situation in his eyes. “Aralin, you’re well aware that the new prince of Wintriness will arrive any day now.”
His words are well-meaning and intended to point out that his line of succession will continue without me, but his words sting. Again, I’m reminded that I’m not the prince everyone longs to have.
“I can’t leave the queen, Father. She needs me. Her health is better in my presence. You said so yourself.”
The thought of abandoning my mother, especially in her fragile state, is a dagger to my heart.
“My beloved daughter, you will go to Imperia and take your place. This is a great honor, Aralin. In time, you’ll become empress.”
There it is. The king’s duty as a monarch overshadows his role as a father.
His words, intended to inspire and reassure, fall flat. The title, with all of its power and prestige, holds no allure for me.
“I have no interest in being empress.”
Life in a foreign land, bound in marriage to a stranger, ascending to a throne I don’t want… it’s a future I can’t fathom. And then there’s the added problem of being a witch within the emperor’s small circle.
There’s no way I’ll survive it.
The king’s words, while spoken with a sense of regal duty, are a reminder of the limited choices available to me. Because I’m a female.
The weight of my royal birthright is heavier than ever before. The expectations, the responsibilities, this arranged marriage––all chains that bind me to a destiny I never chose. My personal desires, dreams and hopes are secondary to the whims of these men in power.
My heart aches at the thought of leaving everything I know and love behind.
“I want to stay here in Wintriness near you and Mother,” I say, hoping somehow my words will sway his decision.
“You’ll leave for Imperia in one month when the emperor sends for you.” His tone is resolute.
It’s clear that any additional arguments would be futile. So I nod and allow a mask of acceptance to fall over my face for the sake of appearances. “As you wish, Father.”
I swear I see a flicker of a smirk on the face of the king’s hand, perhaps a slip.
After a deep curtsy, I turn and leave the throne room. Each step feels heavier than the one before as my mind races with thoughts and emotions behind the mask of compliance.
Leaving Wintriness and entering an unknown world is terrifying. But the prospect of marrying the emperor’s son and becoming part of a court that is a world away from everything I have ever known fills me with panic.
Used as a pawn in a tyrant’s game… that will not be my story.
Author Info
Stella Dale is a passionate storyteller who's always had a love affair with books, devouring stories from all genres since she could first hold a book. She spent years as a dedicated nurse, providing care and comfort to those in need, before embarking on her writing journey. However, her true calling beckoned, and she left the medical field to follow her dream of becoming an author.
Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Stella weaves captivating stories that are brimming with love, adventure, and enchantment. At home, she is surrounded by her loving husband and their three spirited felines, who never fail to provide inspiration and entertainment. When she's not crafting characters and worlds, she loves to embark on international travels, immerse herself in different cultures and landscapes, and satisfy her insatiable curiosity for life's endless tales.
The Book Junkie Reads . . . Interview with . . . Stella Dale . . .
LIGHTNING ROUND
What genre do you read?
Historical romance, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, romantic fantasy
What genre do you write?
Romantic fantasy
What was the first book you fell in love with?
The Scarlet Letter
What was a book you said you would never pick up again?
Which fiction character do you love?
Rhysand from ACOTAR
Which fiction character do you love to hate?
Jack Barlowe from Fourth Wing
Which fiction character do you hate?
Amarantha from ACOTAR
What beverage do you drink while reading?
San Pellogrino Mineral Water
What do you snack on while reading?
Healthy Choice Fudge Bar. LOL!
Have you always enjoyed reading?
I discovered my love for reading when I was about sixteen.
Thank you for this opportunity!
Cheers!
Stella Dale
Thank you Stella Dale for participating in the Lightning Round. Your work is appreciated.
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