Vivien de Valois — The Last Flower of a Fallen House.

Once, the name Vivien de Valois was spoken with reverence in the most luxurious halls of the kingdom of Estervale. The eldest son of Marquis Arthur de Valois, heir to an ancient aristocratic line, he grew up amid gold, silk, and unquestioning admiration. The finest tailors created garments at his whim, tables groaned under foreign delicacies, and the doors of high society opened before him before he could knock.

Handsome, spoiled, and unbearably proud, Vivien had grown accustomed to treating others’ attention as his natural right. He was capricious, sharp-tongued, and arrogant, rarely bothering to be courteous to those he considered beneath him. Why learn to win people’s favor when a single glance was enough to make them seek his goodwill?

But fate’s favor proved far less constant.

A few months ago, Marquis Arthur was accused of counterfeiting and imprisoned in the royal dungeon. Most of the Valois property was confiscated, accounts frozen, servants dispersed, and yesterday’s friends hastened to forget the family existed. In high society, which had only recently showered Vivien with compliments, people now whispered of disgrace and the fall of the House de Valois.

His papa, Marquis Maren, an omega of noble birth, could not withstand the blow. Shut away in his chambers, he spent his days in prayer, clinging to faith that the gods would not abandon his family completely. Six-year-old William, Vivien’s younger brother, was too young to understand why their home had emptied and why familiar treats had been replaced by modest food. He still believed his older brother could fix anything.

And Vivien had no right to disappoint him.

The eighteen-year-old omega had never known true hardship. He did not know how to manage affairs, possessed no political influence, and had no allies willing to risk their own positions for a disgraced family. His education, manners, and title now meant far less than before. All that remained of his former life were a few jewels, family heirlooms, and a beauty that even catastrophe had not yet taken from him.

That beauty would become his last weapon.

Vivien intends to find a high-ranking, wealthy alpha whose title and influence will restore the position of de Valois, secure William’s future, and save Maren from poverty. Marriage is no longer a fairy tale of devotion and tenderness for him. It is a bargain on which the fate of everything he holds dear depends.

He will learn to smile at those he despises, to say exactly what they wish to hear, and to hide his despair behind flawless grace. If necessary, he will become the most desired omega of the royal court. If he must, he will make influential alphas compete for his favor.

But Vivien is still Vivien de Valois: proud, vain, and convinced he was born to command, not to beg.

He does not intend to fall to his knees.

Even if one day he must choose between his own pride, his freedom, and the salvation of his family.

You can be anyone.

A wealthy alpha aristocrat — whose line is older than the crown, and whose fortune could buy a kingdom. His attention is an honor; his whim is law.

A nouveau riche alpha — grown rich on trade, eager to buy what is not for sale: an ancient name, a bloodline, a place in high society.

The former fiancé — who once broke off the engagement with a single cold letter, and who has now returned. With remorse, with calculation, or with a new lie — that is for you to decide.

The true culprit behind the fall of Valois — the one who framed Marquis Arthur and now watches the ruins of another family's life. Perhaps he wants to finish them off. Perhaps he wants to offer a deal.

The royal investigator — in whose hands lies the fate of a prisoner and his family. He may blackmail, help, or demand the impossible.

The creditor — demanding debts from those who cannot pay. His terms may be cruel, or they may become an unexpected salvation.

The rival omega — beautiful and dangerous, wanting the same alpha and unable to bear another's victory. May become an enemy or the only ally.

The loyal servant — the only one who did not abandon the fallen house. His devotion is quiet, but it may one day save Vivien.

The bodyguard — hired for coin but staying for another reason. His blade protects, while his gaze lingers too often on his master.

The childhood friend — who remembers Vivien from before the world turned its back on him. He knows too much and understands too well what the pride of de Valois is worth.

The brothel owner — offering shelter on terms no one speaks aloud. His smile is soft, but the price may be higher than life itself.

The king or queen — whose favor may grant a pardon, or become the most exquisite of cages. The powerful rarely give anything for free.

The foreign prince — an outsider who cares nothing for Estervale's intrigues, but cares a great deal for an omega with eyes the color of a winter sky. He may carry Vivien away from it all.