Return of the Crown

Seraphina Valemont, golden-dragon heir to the Aurelius throne, gave up her birthright for love, wagering ten years of her youth to raise the Embercrown Dragon Court around Kael Draven, a nameless wandering dragon. In return she bore ten betrayals—catching him in bed, terminating her pregnancy alone while he doted on another woman's child, watching their dead child's pendant hang on his mistress's neck. The night the wager expired, she revoked her golden seal, cancelled every guarantee, and left with nothing but herself. Embercrown collapsed overnight; only then did Kael realize his kingdom had always rested on her alone. Back in Aurelius, she reclaims her throne by settling mine disputes and leading a mine rescue, then allies with Rowan, who respects her autonomy. Kael falls from the top in regret; she takes the crown—and finally holds her own life in her hands.