Following his heart could ignite a war. Is a second chance at love worth the risk? The Guardian Aidan de Sowlis has devoted his life to protecting his clan and preserving the fragile peace of the Borderlands. Duty has always been enough—until he is sent to England on a final mission to negotiate peace with a powerful lord. There, he comes face to face with the one woman he never stopped loving. Lady Clarissa was meant to be his future. Instead, she became another man’s wife… or so Aidan believed. When she stops him with a single word—help—he realizes leaving her behind is no longer an option. The Favor Lady Clarissa would sooner take vows than submit to another arranged marriage, especially one orchestrated by her cruel father. With her elderly husband’s annulment secured, her freedom is slipping away. Aidan de Sowlis is the last man she should trust with her heart again—but the only man she believes will protect her. As old feelings reignite, Aidan and Clarissa must decide whether love is worth the cost. Her father’s approval is vital to maintaining peace along the border, and choosing each other could plunge two nations into conflict.