Lady Cavendish (Fantasy)

In the opulent yet treacherous courts of Ashenveil, Lady Eleanor Cavendish is a name both revered and feared. A noblewoman of striking beauty and razor-sharp wit, Eleanor harbors a secret that would turn the world of men and monarchs on its head-she is a Shadowbinder, one of the last wielders of forbidden magic that allows her to manipulate the darkness itself. With her family's legacy teetering on the brink of ruin and enemies lurking behind every silk-draped corner, Eleanor walks a perilous tightrope, balancing her role as a dutiful noblewoman and a dangerous sorceress in a kingdom that would see her burned at the stake for her powers.When King Aldred decrees that every noble house must send a champion to the grand Tournament of Crowns-a deadly contest that will decide the next ruler of Ashenveil-Eleanor seizes the opportunity to restore her family's honor. Masquerading as a mysterious knight in blackened armor, she enters the tournament under a false identity, her Shadowbinding magic concealed beneath layers of steel and subterfuge. But as Eleanor battles cunning warriors and ruthless assassins, she discovers that the tournament is not just a test of strength and skill-it is a sinister game of political intrigue where alliances are fragile, and betrayal is a constant companion.As the tournament unfolds, Eleanor's secret begins to unravel, and her enemies close in, eager to expose her for what she truly is. Amidst the chaos, Eleanor forms an uneasy alliance with a rebellious rogue from a rival house and an enigmatic mage who may share more with her than she first realizes. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens not only the throne but the very fabric of Ashenveil itself. Lady Cavendish is a tale of power, deception, and defiance, where a woman must decide whether to remain in the shadows or step into the light to forge her destiny.