Ruthless Hearts

By E.V. Everest

A library page. A wealthy royal. The last print library in the world.

 

Enora's parents have her entire life planned out, including her future marriage and career. When fate brings her to the Bellatonian Archives, the last print library in her world, she meets someone who makes her believe anything is possible. Perfect for fans of magical libraries, starcrossed lovers, and dystopian twists.

 

A Doomed Fantasy Romance Short Story

• Language: English
• Publisher: Golden Bird Press
• Release date: Nov 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781957498102

E.V. Everest

E.V. Everest is a tween to teen fantasy author. Ever since she discovered the summer reading program, she’s been unstoppable. After all, if books contain worlds, she’s pretty much an intergalactic traveler, right? When she’s not visiting other worlds or inventing her own, Evelina enjoys drinking too much coffee, playing her trombone, and petting her four fur babies. Sign up for E.V.’s newsletter and get writing prompts and inspiration straight to your inbox! Visit www.evelinaeverest.com.

Book preview

E.V. Everest

Ruthless Hearts

First published by Golden Bird Press 2022

Copyright © 2022 by E.V. Everest

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

First edition

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Contents

Ruthless Hearts

The Story Continues

About the Author

Ruthless Hearts

Chapter Separator

Enora had never been more bored in her life.

Well, that wasn’t exactly true. She had been precisely this bored every Saturday since her eleventh birthday—the age when her mother had begun to demand her attendance at society events.

Today, they were attending a private luncheon at the estate of Lady Sylvia Rockwell. The three of them sat around an elegantly dressed table with a full tea service.

Enora’s mother beamed across the table at the other woman. Her hair was coiffed, not a strand out of place. Enora has the highest grades in her class. She’s doing especially well in finance and literature, she bragged.

Enora fought the urge to roll her eyes. Such kind words were rare when she and her mother were alone. No, that time was reserved for lectures on Enora’s duty to her family and society at large. Often, the lectures were followed by list-making and goal setting to ensure Enora would excel above her peers.

It didn’t matter how high her grades were or how many leaderships positions she earned. Nothing she did was ever good enough.

Lady Rockwell returned a smile. Oh, how lovely. My Peter also enjoys reading though I must admit it’s often military strategy. I suppose he takes after his father. She laughed into her lace-gloved hand.

An excellent role model, Enora’s mother bolstered.

It was painfully clear why they were all here. Lady Rockwell’s son, Peter, was twenty-years-old. Enora would be eighteen in two months. This was political matchmaking. She wondered when the military strategy reading Peter would arrive. Perhaps not until a second meeting but one could never be sure.

It had been two dreadfully dull hours of vapid conversation, and she’d do almost anything for a respite. Peter be damned. She sighed over her teacup.

Her mother shot her a glance that said quite clearly, No sighing at the table. Sit up straight and be pleasant, young lady!

So, she slouched further in her chair and gave a dramatic sigh.

This time, her movements attracted Lady Rockwell’s attention too. Enora, my dear. Are you feeling well?

Enora almost smirked, but she held back. Instead, in a stroke of brilliance, she pulled her face into a pained expression. I have a terrible headache, and I fear I may be coming down with something.

Oh, my dear, you must go and rest then.

While the woman was addressing Enora, her mother was shooting her a look that could kill.

Enora ignored it. You’re quite right, Lady Rockwell. I should adjourn, but please give my best to Potter.

The woman’s smile faltered for just a moment, but she recovered quickly. "When you’re feeling better, I look forward to introducing you to Peter."

It was a subtle correction, but neither Enora nor her mother missed it. Of course, Enora already knew his name. She had an exceptional memory. What she didn’t have was any interest in this arranged marriage or any other.

She stood and dipped a small curtsy.

Her mother’s eyes narrowed. There would be words later.

But for now, she was free.

* * *

As she exited the estate, Enora held a demure hand to