When We Were Kings

Book excerpt: Born a princess, Leyli never expected to find herself in a gladiatorial arena. Her cousin's plot to secure himself as heir means she got thrown in with the criminals and debtors, sentenced to fight until she either wins her freedom or dies. But Leyli comes from a line of warriors. Raised to be demure and gentle, she might not know how to fight - but she knows how to not give up. That spirit draws the attention of the Lion of Lenlochlien, one of the best gladiators in the arena. Becoming his partner is the opportunity she needs to survive this nightmare. Chained at his side, they will live - or die - together. She is his shield. He is her sword. Yet, around every corner is a threat. Their opponents want to kill them. The wrong people are looking for her. Her owner wants to make a profit above all else. Hidden in a mess of forged papers and secrets is Leyli's past; it's the only thing she refuses to share with her partner. As far as the world knows, the Princess is dead.He named her the Wolf of Oberhame, and she's willing to embrace it. Each day they're locked together, they grow closer, until his life matters as much as her own. When their owner changes the rules, the Princess must risk everything. She was put on the sands to die, but it may be the Lion who pays the ultimate price.