Stalks of Gold by Celeste Baxendell

Magic isn’t a solution; it’s a trap.

If Aurelia comes across magic, she’s supposed to run in the other direction. Life is no longer so simple. If the tower door opens, and she doesn’t have any gold, her life will be forfeit.

The only person who can help her is the mysterious stranger who appeared in her tower room. If she takes his deal, she might live, but what will she sacrifice in order to do it?

For years, Sandor has done everything he could to keep Aurelia far away from the truth about his identity, but the second Aurelia stepped into the castle, it was all for nothing. If she was a witch, he would be the first to know… unless he’s not the only one keeping secrets.

Time is running out. The trap is springing shut. Sandor is the only one who can save Aurelia from the king… or so he thinks. Is the king the real threat, or is there something more sinister lurking in the shadows?

Category: Fantasy – Fairy Tales