The Protegre School for Human Women is the only home Autumn knows…and she’s not keen to leave. As the date for her auction draws near, she must go to extreme lengths to stay exactly where she is. After a chance meeting with a handsome stranger, she’s confident her place in Protegre is secure. She doesn’t realize how wrong she is until she’s thrust onto the auction platform.

Lovan promises he’ll marry and secure his spot as the Duke of Swendshin…eventually. He was given a timeline – marry by the end of the year or lose your estate. Never intending for it to be so soon, things change when he finds the beautiful human woman he bedded on the auction block. He knows he must purchase her to save her from the pirate Stefan. Lovan soon realizes his mistake – he’s bought a bride and there’s absolutely no way to return her.
Getting to know her future husband is impossible when he’s never around. Autumn does her best to play her part as the perfect bride despite the obstacles life throws her way. Lovan must accept that he will not marry for love like his parents. Is his love of his estate enough, or is he doomed to be miserable in his forced marriage? Can Autumn learn the intricate workings of a society that doesn’t believe her fiancé is worthy of his position?