A Hero Worth Saving

A Hero Worth Saving A Hero Worth Saving is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Liminal Books is an imprint of Between the Lines Publishing. The Liminal Books name and logo are trademarks of Between the Lines Publishing. Copyright © 2023 by K.T. Munson Cover design by Cherie Fox Between the Lines Publishing and its imprints supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like permission to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), please contact [email protected]. Between the Lines Publishing 9 North River Road, Ste 248 Auburn ME 04210 btwnthelines.com First Published: June 2023 ISBN: (Paperback) 978-1-958901-46-5 ISBN: (Ebook) 978-1-958901-47-2 Library of Congress Control Number: 2023936660 The publisher is not responsible for websites (or their content) that are not owned by the publisher. A Hero Worth Saving K.T. Munson For Nicky. You said make it steamy. You're welcome. To all my family and friends who listened (a lot) and supported. Thank you. Chapter 1 “You are going to marry the Hero of Mount Vere,” her father said with a sneer. “Finally, you’ll be of some use.” Odette stood quaking with fear at those words. She, the illegitimate daughter of the duke, who had been passed off as a real daughter for years, would finally be thrust into the world. Without a debut, or a chance to be courted, she would enter society already married. He’d hidden her alongside his two legitimate daughters, should the king ever demand fealty through marriage. Today was that day. “I heard he’s a monster,” Jestine said, a cackle in her voice. “Perfect for our dear sister.” Grace turned her nose up; Jestine’s constant mimic. Odette Chapter 2 ~ Past ~ Odette sat beside her sick father’s bed. A horrid cough wracked his body while she wiped the sweat from his brow. As she finished, she turned to do the same with her mother. The maid had abandoned them, leaving her alone to care for her parents. A cloth was draped across her nose and mouth like the Wisewoman had instructed, she’d done everything to keep her younger brother and sister away. “Ettie,” her mother whispered. Her face was drawn and thin. It was as though skin had been pressed around her bones where there was so little left of muscle or fat. “Try not to speak.” Odette tried not to cry, but she