Princess Mandy had always dreamed of a fulfilling life beyond the governor's mansion, a life free from the confines of her arranged marriage to either the charming but overbearing Prince or the filthy rich but deceiving other Prince. That is, until the Former First Sergeant Saint came into her life—a stoic and devoted bodyguard with a secret, dark past. With the impending nuptials looming like a storm cloud, she hatched a daring escape plan.

However, fate had other plans for her. Captured by a group of ruthless mercenaries, Mandy's future grew darker by the minute. In a desperate attempt to protect the princess, Max declared Mandy his wife—a web of lies that could erupt at any moment.

Max is a man on a mission, training relentlessly for a job that could secure Mandy's future. With each passing day, their fake marriage grows more complex, their connection goes deeper, and the line between duty and desire becomes increasingly blurred.

As danger looms and the truth threatens to surface, Mandy and Max find themselves in a race against time, navigating a treacherous path of deception, love, and sacrifice. Can they outwit their way out and build a future together, or will the secrets they harbour tear them apart forever?

Join Mandy and Max on an enthralling journey where a fake marriage may just lead to an entanglement neither of them saw coming—a love worth fighting for.

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

This book can be read as a standalone. This book can also be a hybrid sequel as the second book in The Ark of the Shadow-Workers: Archipelago Legend, Myth, and Folklore Retelling Book Collection and as the third book in the Max Saint Book Bundle. Since the authors write for different audiences and genres, we publish the story in separate books.

SUGGESTION:

Prior to reading this book, it might be best for potential readers to look up the folktale of "Princess Mandalika." This book, hopefully, can be a continuation of the tale that felt unfinished.

FAIR WARNING:

This publication contains explicit language, explicit romantic scenes, and unnatural mortality. Readers' discretion is advised.

This work of fiction is NOT suitable for minors. The age limits may vary from one area of jurisdiction to another.

In the absence of clear guidance and/or limitations from the governing bodies, the publisher and the author suggest that 21 years of age be the minimum age for reading this publication.

DISCLAIMER:

This book series is a work of fiction that draws inspiration from a Southeast Asian folktale and history, with some parts added for a dramatic purpose.

This work of fiction is for entertainment purposes only and is NOT to be treated as a matter of fact or as the ground for theories. However, the publishing company and author support the continuation of education and learning. This publication may be treated as a subject to study in the language arts, literature, culture, psychology, or any other related department or faculty.

The manuscript and cover art of this literary work are not generated by artificial intelligence and may NOT be utilised for AI training without the written permission of the copyright owner.

Publisher's Note on the Digital Version:

Readers who pay the licensing fee for the digital version of this book will continue to receive updates, including corrections, improvements, or revisions.

The price point of the digital version is calculated from the print version with a...