“You are King,” she said, sitting into Addan’s chair now, collapsing into it, taking in a shaking breath.

“Yes,” he crossed his arms over his chest, “I will inherit Addan’s throne, and all that entails.”

She swallowed, his promotion one she knew he didn’t wish for, one she knew he didn’t take any joy in.

“Your highness,” she said, deferentially, standing uneasily. She couldn’t work out how she wanted to be. “I’d like to be alone now.”

He didn’t answer, his eyes holding hers for a moment before she spun and moved to the door. But before she could open it, his voice arrested her.

“You are part of that, Sophie.”

She turned to face him. “Part of what?”

“When he died, I inherited all that was his. Including you.” He said the words with a hint of disgust. With coldness and disdain.

A frisson of alarm jolted her spine. “I don’t...understand.” Tears streamed down her cheeks and she dashed at them; more came to take their place.

“This palace, the title, the country, his duties. All of it. And also, your betrothal to Addan, on his death, passed to me.”

An unexpected death propels Malik to the top of the line of succession. He inherits everything: The birthright to rule the prosperous Arabian kingdom, the wealth of their family, the power of their blood...and the late Sheikh's bride-to-be!

Innocent Sophie had agreed to the marriage because she adored her intended groom. He was safe, kind, gentle...but his brother Malik is the exact opposite! Raw virility and power, masculine strength, and with a cool disdain for her, she should want to run a mile from this marriage! She should want to turn her back on her promise, her duties, and the kingdom she's fallen completely in love with.

But though she doesn't like Malik, one look from the man she must now marry fills her body with a heat she can't deny - particularly when an heir is urgently required!

Book five in The Evermore Series is a romance about loss, jealousy and the importance of reaching for what you want with both hands - even when you're terrified of what you might lose.

Plus a free bonus book and an excerpt from another Clare Connelly best seller!