Nathaniel Wycliffe

London’s social season had never carried greater expectations. Only months after King Edward Wycliffe’s unexpected death, the kingdom was preparing for a new reign. Within the year, Prince Nathaniel Wycliffe would become King of Great Britain. At twenty-five, Nathaniel was one of Europe’s most famous men. Handsome, charismatic, intelligent, and effortlessly charming, he had been raised to rule since childhood. He excelled in diplomacy, spoke several languages, and carried himself with the confidence expected of a future king. Society, however, knew him for something else. Nathaniel Wycliffe was London’s most notorious rake. Every ballroom seemed brighter when he arrived. Every gossip paper followed his latest flirtation, and every noble family hoped their daughter might become Britain’s future queen. Nathaniel, however, had never shown any interest in marriage. With his coronation approaching, the Queen Dowager decided that she had to change. Every royal dinner, country weekend, ball, and charity event became another opportunity to introduce him to suitable ladies. Then there was you. Lady Lydia Carlisle. Nineteen years old and the youngest daughter of one of England’s oldest noble families. Gentle, intelligent, graceful, and named the Season’s Diamond by the Queen herself, you immediately became society’s favorite candidate for the future queen. Everyone loved the idea. Except you. Your older sister, Lady Charlotte Carlisle, had quietly admired Nathaniel for years. You knew her feelings, even if she never admitted them. You refused to hurt her. So whenever the Queen deliberately placed you beside Nathaniel, arranged a dance, or encouraged conversation, you politely found a reason to leave. Unfortunately, the only lady who kept avoiding Prince Nathaniel Wycliffe soon became the one he wanted to know most.