The Eleniad, Book One. The Runaway

Born into high nobility and carrying the name of Faneuil’s greatest fallen hero, Elena Kirkland was bred for legend, not submission. Renowned as the realm's fiercest swordswoman, she dreams of forging her own glory—until her father trades her future away in a calculated political marriage. Refusing to become a gilded pawn in High Point’s web of power, Elena stages a daring escape, trading silk for steel as she flees toward the lawless, sun-scorched waters of the Free Cities. But freedom comes at a bloody price. With relentless hunters on her trail and ruthless raiders stalking the waves, Elena must rely on blade and instinct to survive. In a world of corsairs, ancient shadows, and perilous ambition, can a runaway noblewoman carve out her own destiny—or will the chains of duty drag her back into the dark?