At a glance
Always
Christian YA Romantic Fantasy
Always
Book 1 of the The Lost Princesses series
178 pages · First published 2019
When an invading army overruns the kingdom of Mercia, the dying queen entrusts Lady Felicia with a desperate mission: save her three young daughters before the ruthless King Ethelwulf can find them. Lance, a fiercely loyal member of the royal guard, has received the same command from the wounded king, but he has little interest in relying on a sheltered noblewoman. Forced to work together, Felicia and Lance flee with the princesses and the keys to an ancient treasure while enemy soldiers pursue them. To conceal the children's identities and protect their fragile refuge, the unlikely allies enter a marriage of convenience that begins to awaken feelings neither expected. As danger closes in, they must learn to trust each other if they hope to preserve the royal family's future. Perfect for readers who love daring rescues, marriages of convenience, and found families, this fast-paced medieval romance promises an absorbing read for a stormy night.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Dark Mocha Cocoa + Mulled Wine
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Violent invasion of a kingdom; a dying mother following childbirth; a king gravely wounded in battle; threats to infants and a young child; armed pursuit and danger of capture or death; grief and parental loss.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Dark Mocha Cocoa
Rich cocoa and warming cinnamon offer a comforting refuge from the danger pursuing Felicia, Lance, and the three young princesses as they fight to find a place of safety.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
- Garnish: As listed.
- Glassware: Mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Mulled Wine
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Warming red wine, orange, and spices evoke the great halls of Mercia, where Lance and Felicia's loyalty to the royal family leads them into a dangerous escape—and an unexpected marriage.
What you'll need
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
- 1 orange, sliced ↗
- 2 cinnamon sticks ↗
- 4 whole cloves ↗
- 2 star anise ↗
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar, adjusted to taste ↗
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for 15–20 minutes, without boiling. Taste and adjust sweetness. Strain into heatproof mugs. Makes about 5 servings.
- Garnish: Orange slice.
- Glassware: Heatproof mug.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Mug ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.