by Lex Croucher
First published 2026
King Gabriel locks himself in cupboards between council meetings, fighting panic attacks he cannot confess to anyone. He has pushed Arthur away rather than reveal his weakness, believing his lover deserves someone who can rule without breaking down. Meanwhile, Bridget loses match after match in the jousting lists, her confidence shattered. When Gabriel invites her to join his round table, she hopes the role will restore her purpose. But her relationship with Gwen crumbles as Bridget no longer feels like the bold knight who once won her heart. Reports flood in of mystical sightings across the realm: the holy grail, the questing beast, the green knight. With the kingdom still fragile from a recent uprising, Gabriel decides on a public relations tour to restore confidence. The journey threatens disaster as both couples struggle with their fractured bonds. Gabriel must learn whether he can lead his people despite his fears, while Bridget fights to reclaim her strength in the saddle and in love.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Kingdom
Period: Medieval
416 pages · Hardcover · Wednesday Books
Content warnings: anxiety, depression, mental-illness