Book excerpt: Her life-changing revelation! Luca relished the fact that his fling with Cordelia was driven by desire, not his wealth. But now their baby compels him to bring her into his sumptuous world. Although giving Cordelia his heart is a price he can't pay... The beauty he unmasked... To retain the throne he's sacrificed everything for, Alek must choose a bride. Hester's inner fire catches his attention...and Alek sees the Queen that she could truly become--but the real question is, can she?