Beneath the Cinders

Upon the death of her father, Della is taken from her country and forced into servitude by her stepmother. Della struggles to make ends meet as her stepmother frivolously spends the widow's stipend meant to sustain them. Limited funds, the impossible solitary crossing of the Deep Woods, and protecting her younger stepsister from the same fate keep Della from running away.

The day that Della stops a runaway horse alters her life in a way she never imagined could happen in this new kingdom. She meets Lord Roric and the nobleman who seeks her out, meeting with her in secret. Then, an opportunity arises to leave and Della is torn between returning to the land that she loves or staying to be with the mysterious nobleman who is keeping secrets himself.