A Noble Companion

Raid a dragon's hoard for her dowry? It seemed like a good idea at the time...

Madelena isn't in love with her friend Armando, but his marriage proposal offers the security she needs. She sympathizes with him—his father insists Armando must either find a bride or join the army. Armando would rather become a husband than a soldier, but his ugly face has scared away all other eligible ladies despite his family's wealth. Although she harbors only friendship for Armando, Madelena agrees to marry him on one condition: she insists on acquiring a dowry worthy of his family's noble standing in the land of Costa Nueva. But as a humble stablemaid, Madelena has no idea how to find such wealth. That's when the talking burro Terco mentions he's heard how to find a dragon’s treasure.

Javier, Armando’s younger brother, has loved Madelena in silence for years. When he learns of their impending marriage, he offers to help her find the treasure, even though succeeding may cost him the chance to spend his future with her. Together, they face a dangerous wilderness, a charming bandit, and a dragon’s lair, forcing Javier to confront his feelings and Madelena to re-evaluate her heart.

A Noble Companion is a New Adult non-magical Christian fantasy retelling of The Ugly Duckling, book #6 in The Cornerstone Series. Each book can be read as a standalone.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Chapter 1: The Question
4. Chapter 2: The Clues
5. Chapter 3: The Mountain of the Moon
6. Chapter 4: The Accident
7. Chapter 5: The Truth
8. Chapter 6: The Shrieking Peach
9. Chapter 7: The Wolf’s Den
10. Chapter 8: The Gift
11. Chapter 9: The Duel
12. Chapter 10: The Ransom
13. Chapter 11: The Valley of the Shadow
14. Chapter 12: The New Question
15. Chapter 13: The Sentinel’s Shadow
16. Chapter 14: The Dragon
17. Chapter 15: The Bargain
18. Chapter 16: The Robbers
19. Chapter 17: The Dowry
20. Chapter 18
21. Chapter 19
22. Closing Credits