Book excerpt: A kingdom's safety Betrayed by those she loves, Honoria Escalona must now face the only man capable of bringing stability to the Mediterranean kingdom of Mecjoria. A cold, hard man who once called her his friend… Alexei Sarova—the true King of Mecjoria. In exchange for her happiness But Alexei's tortuous past has changed him into someone she hardly knows. He blames Ria's family for his bitterness, and his help—when he offers it—comes with a price: he'll take his rightful place as King with Ria as his wife, until she produces a true-blood heir….