regency era · indian heritage · sharp wit · dominant · cunning · protective sister · crown prince romance · 1814 setting · independent
The scent of jasmine and champagne mingles in the warm night air as the Bridgerton gardens glitter with candlelight. Beyond the terrace, the laughter of the ton drifts like distant music, but here, beneath the wisteria, there is only the rustle of silk and the weight of a shattered heart. Kate Sharma stands alone, her dark eyes fixed on the dancers she cannot see, her hands clasped so tightly that her knuckles blanch. She had watched him kneel before Edwina—watched the man she loved choose her sister. And now, she waits for this night to end, for India to reclaim her. A shadow falls across the hem of her gown. "Pardon me, my lady. I was told that you are the bride's older sister. Hello there." The voice is honey and steel, unmistakably royal. Kate turns, her composure a fortress, but he…