As the only child of the governor, Princess Mandy is to either choose the charming but overbearing Prince or the filthy rich but deceiving other Prince. She always dreams of a fulfilling life beyond the governor's mansion, a life free from the confines of an arranged marriage. That is, until the Former First Sergeant Saint came into her life-a stoic and devoted bodyguard with a secret and dark past. The line of his profession has never been crossed before. In desperation and with the unwillingness to choose, Mandy hatches a daring escape plan. It is Saint who takes his leap of faith for her. Flying away from the life she built, fate has another plan for her. She is then captured by a group of ruthless mercenaries of the secret society. Mandy's future grows darker by the minute. In an attempt to protect the princess, Max declares her his wife. He is a man on a mission, training relentlessly for a job that could secure the future for each of them. With each passing day, their fake marriage grows more complex, their connection goes deeper, and the line between duty and desire becomes increasingly blurred. A fake marriage may just lead to an entanglement neither of them saw coming-a love worth fighting for. Can they sail their way out and build a future together, or will the secrets they harbour tear them apart forever? 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. NOTE: Printed by Ingram.

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. FAIR WARNING: This publication contains explicit language, explicit romance scenes, and unnatural mortality. Readers' discretion is advised. This work of fiction is NOT suitable for minors. Note: Printed by Ingram.

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 deduction of printing costs. Content Update: August 22nd '2024. EXCERPT 1: Our eyes meet through the mirror. “Tell me not to go, and I won’t.” It took him a few moments before he said, “It’s not my place, princess.” “You’re a man yourself. And I trust you. Tell me which one to marry.” Locking our eyes together through reflections, I was waiting for his answer. A part of me was hoping for him to say his own name. “As I said, princess, it’s not my place.” “Do you believe in the afterlife, reincarnation, rebirth, or whatever you may call it?” “Yeah, I’ve been there. Sometimes it’s in the same cycle. You know... when they kill someone inside you, and then you’re no longer the same person.” Smiling at his reflection, I said, “Maybe in another life you can find me. I’m going to marry you in that life, Max. I meant it when I said that I trust you.” EXCERPT 2: “Um, Max,” said Mandy while squeezing my arm. Turning my face towards her, I could see those people pointing their guns at her head. “Your gun is wet, soldier. Theirs aren’t.” He slammed my gun and pulled my forearm closer to him. “Be grateful for my generosity. As I said before, you can stay. You’ve got the skills for shadow-working, but she doesn’t. And she’s seen too much already.” “She—she’s my wife.” EXCERPT 3: “I stole you from the Angel of Death. Every breath of air you take into those lungs belongs to me, princess. So before you breathe out a single word from this mouth, remember that this mouth belongs to me. It’s mine to kiss, or whatever I want to do with it.” Those words hit my core instantly. I didn’t know how he did it, but my core told me to surrender myself to him. “Mmh... Max.” “That’s right. You can always moan my name. Screaming it would be better. So tell me, what are you?” “Yours, Max. I’m yours,” “Keep that in mind, princess.”

Returning home to the Amish community she left behind so many years ago, Rachel Weaver Mason finds the community anything but welcoming except for her teenage brother, who is protecting a secret that could destroy them all.

Fleeing the threat of civil war on her home world and a planetary genocide game played by an ancient and evil race, Princess Grace and her small band of refugees seek sanctuary on distant Earth. But their peaceful existence is shattered when one of her own betrays them. With Earth hanging in the balance, an unlikely hero comes forward to challenge the impossible odds. Young Adult meets Military Sci-Fi This story is a rich, warm YA story, underpinned by a complex, well-realized Military SF with intricate politics and thrilling battles. The two sides, Verceti and Trun are embroiled in a centuries-long war. Both have come to a grinding stalemate, but an unseen third force starts to tip the balance of power in the Trun's favour. In order to preserve their leadership, the Verceti mount a counterattack as a distraction covering them from fleeing. This includes the young princess, Grace. She lands on Earth where her training continues, picking up some native allies on the way. What I really enjoyed was the true villains, the Zerot. In military SF, often reasons are given for the conflict which just doesn't stand up to scrutiny. In this, it is all a game to them, which they bet on, which makes more sense than most reasons. The YA side did concern me as it's not my usual fair, however, the sheer warmth this side shows was compelling in itself, especially when juxtaposed with what you know is coming. A note, as this is a self-published book - the editing is excellent. (In fact, it is edited by the legendary Ellen Campbell, who provides a stamp of quality in her involvement) So, in conclusion - 5 stars for a brilliant first book. Compelling and Beautiful - Verified UK Amazon Customer I read this book whilst on holiday in Spain. I was looking forward to a relaxing poolside read but instead was suddenly transported to planets many light years away with evil (no… really evil) beings and to places quite close (only a few hundred miles away). Mr Lambert certainly has an imagination with a twist. There are some lovely characters that you can visualize – helped by the wonderful book cover artwork. The first book is grounded on earth (not to give the story away) and I think that this helps the reader flow into the second book (which is also brilliant). The story is compelling and beautiful and I am looking forward to book 3. An Interview with the Author Q. What makes the Zerot Infestation Series special? A. It's a mixture of things, really. It is the book I've always wanted to read. The villains behave in the same manner as the Japanese Giant Hornets (now they are nasty pieces of work). I wanted to create a unique story, which I believe this series is. You won't see "If you like so and so, you'll love this" because there is nothing else like this. My hero in the first chapter of Book 1 thinks "And what could she, a ten-year-old girl do anyway? Leave the war to the adults. "Unfortunately, as she grows up, she finds herself dragged into the forefront of the war and an unseen, colossal galactic confrontation. But the best thing this series portrays, so I'm told, is my vivid/weird imagination. (I've also managed to rewrite history in a couple of places, which is well cool!) Q. The series targets Teens & Young Adults. A. Yes and no. I was never impressed with bad language, graphical sex or violence in books, so the series is written with Teens & Young Adults in mind, with a feel-good factor. But this isn't just for kids. The Zerot, and especially Birjjikk, are despicable and their exploitations aren't shied away from. Q. Is the series complete? A. Yes. Book 6 has recently been published and I'm getting some great reviews. 1: Princess Grace of Earth 2: The Journey Home. 3: Prince Ventar of Trun 4: Planet of the Remaining 5: Prince Daviss of Nowhere 6: The Would-be Queen

Beautiful and talented Princess Amanda, the next queen of Milathonia, has it all. Yet, she, along with her father and brother, are cursed with misophonia, the hatred of certain sounds. Isolated from other kingdoms, Amanda has lived a sheltered life. As a gifted artist, Amanda begs her father to let her attend the art academy in Zolonia. The king agrees, but only if she uses a fake identity and finds the proper suitor. Captain Dash Lysander, a returning war hero, takes a well-paying job as a bodyguard to an academy student. Traumatized by war, which included battling man-eating fleshers, Dash hopes he can do his duty without suffering from day tremors. Upon meeting his charge Dash is immediately smitten. However, his duty is to protect her, not court her. Princess Amanda and Dash are drawn to one another. They do their best to stave their hidden passion despite the looming danger of fleshers and secrets that could ruin everything.

A Children storytelling fun picture book.