The Rise of a Rose — Shari Malin

In the opulent halls of the Mughal court, love is a luxury and power a cage. But for a young desert nomad, it is the key to a love that will defy history.When a young woman named Arjumand enters the ruthless world of the royal harem, she is an outsider with nothing but a kind heart. Yet, it is this very kindness that captures the attention of Shah Jahan, the future Emperor of India. He is a man of power and ambition, but in Arjumand, he finds not just a wife, but a confidante and a soulmate.Their love story, born in the midst of political intrigue and courtly betrayal, is a beacon of hope against a backdrop of jealousy and violence. But when a tragic misunderstanding threatens to tear them apart, Arjumand must make an impossible choice: protect the man she loves by accepting a role that will be seen as an ultimate betrayal.The Unforgiving Marble is a sweeping tale of devotion, sacrifice, and the enduring power of a love so profound it would become a legend—and build the world's most breathtaking monument to an eternal promise.