NEPHY'S WORLD

Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Engineering Love by Jackie Nacht

Title: Engineering Love

Author: Jackie Nacht

Part of a series? If yes, can it be read as a standalone? No - standalone

Publisher: Rainbow Ninja Press

Release Date:
Early Download at Rainbow Ninja Press – 5 October 2016
Third Party Pre Order – 12 October 2016
General Release – 19 October 2016

Word Count: 20,802

Links:

Rainbow Ninja Press - http://www.rainbowninjapress.com/engineering-love
Rainbow Ninja Press – EU Customers - https://payhip.com/b/uDr2

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32324708-engineering-love

Categories: M/M Romance, Gay Fiction, New Adult

Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway Rafflecopter Prize: Engineering Love (PDF)

Author Bio:

Short, sexy and sweet—where a little love goes a long way.
That’s the best way to describe Jackie Nacht’s stories. I was introduced to M/M Romance through my sister, Stephani, and read it for years. Then, I thought it was time to put my own stories on paper. I began writing short and sweet stories that ended with a happily ever after...and sometimes more than one, in the case of my YA Fork in the Road series, which has interactive endings.

Thinking back to my own book addiction, where there were many nights I stayed up way too late so I could read just one more chapter—yeah, right—I decided to write short romances for young adults as well as adults. Hopefully, they will give high school and college students, or working men and women something they can read during their lunch hour, in between classes or just when they want to briefly get away from the daily stresses of everyday life.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.nacht
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackieNacht
Website: www.jackienacht.com
Blog: www.jackienacht.com
Email: jackie.nacht@yahoo.com

Blurb:

When north meets south, sparks fly.

Adrian is a student from a northern college transferring to Georgia Tech. Used to seeing snowmobiles outnumbering the cars on campus, Adrian finds himself living in a state hotter than hell and feeling completely lost in the heart of Atlanta. A chance encounter introduces him to Davis who Adrian knows is trouble, but can’t help falling for.

Davis is the picture of big man on campus and oozes with confidence, at least until he meets Adrian. Something about Adrian has Davis’s usual charm flying out of the window and everything goes from smooth to hell as Davis tries to make Adrian his own.

Between awkward dates, second-degree burns, study sessions, and snow, the two stumble their way into a relationship neither had planned. Will Davis give up the bachelor life to take a chance at a relationship with Adrian, or will he walk away from something special just to stick to his original plan?

Excerpt:

Ten minutes until kickoff and it was like every person in the student body had showed up. Adrian was squished next to Mark and a girl wearing glitter tattoos on her cheeks. She and her friend were taking selfies, and somehow, Adrian got tugged into one.

“What’s your name?” the girl hollered.

He leaned in, yelling, “Adrian.”

“Mara.” She smiled over at him.

“Mara!” a guy called from behind them, then he landed on Adrian’s back.

“Careful, Davis!” Mara yelled.

Bending over from the weight of the guy, Adrian would have face-planted into the person in front of him if it hadn’t been for Mark grabbing his shirt. The fucking game hadn’t started, and he was about to be on the injury list. And Adrian wasn’t even playing in the game!

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” The guy on his back grabbed him and wrapped an arm around Adrian’s chest.

The person in front of him turned with a scowl on his face before he smirked at the man behind him and raised his hand. “Davis!”

Hands clapped over his head, and the damn bull in the china shop behind him still had his arm around Adrian.

The two chatted above him, and Adrian glanced over at Mark who was rolling his eyes. “That’s
Davis.”

Oh yeah, because that explained everything. It’s Davis so it’s natural to start chatting it up with Adrian snuggled right in. Boundaries, people, boundaries. Apparently, tackle-boy Davis seemed to know everyone since people all around shouted his name. Adrian felt Davis’s deep chuckle and wondered why the hell he was still being held by him.

Adrian turned and glanced over his shoulder, then kind of wished he hadn’t. Davis was laughing while talking to the guy Adrian almost fell into before. Davis was hot… like hotter than Atlanta. Black hair and a five o’clock shadow around a strong jaw. Built enough to belong on the football field and damn, and he had light ice-blue eyes. Adrian had an urge to reach out and touch Davis’s face to make sure he was fucking real. The only thing that detracted from the model-perfect looks was a small scar on his bottom lip, which Adrian thought was sexy as hell. The white line bisected plump full lips, which made Adrian want to kiss it. And he shouldn’t be thinking that.

With a small twist of his arm, Adrian was free of Davis. He glanced back at him.

“Don’t trample the newb, Davis,” Luke hollered from down the row.

Davis’s blue eyes glinted in the noonday sun, and a crooked smile appeared on his face. Adrian felt like prey in the presence of a predator, trapped by a sea of fifty-five thousand people.

Wednesday Briefs. Demon Chapter Thirty Four

Gosh, Wednesdays come around fast. It will be Christmas before we know it! Then another year will have whizzed past.

This week I chose the prompt of squirrels on the roof because it made me laugh, and I was determined to fit it in somewhere. I wrote that scene around them and their big bird friend.

When I recognize the Starbloom, I throw myself at Castien and knock it from his hands, but I am too late. The pod bursts, showering him with stardust. A few spores land on my arm and instantly burns. Castien steps back, rubbing his eyes, and hell breaks loose around us. I’m barely aware of the shouts, as I concentrate on Castien. If the spores have gone into his eyes, he will be blind. Ignoring the pain in my arm, I tear his hands away from his face.

“What’s going on?” Castien asks, dropping his hands and gazing around.

“Your face,” I gasp, my voice locked with shock.

“What’s wrong with my face?” Castien runs his hand over his perfect, unblemished skin.

“Nothing.” My hand trembles as my fingers brush over his cheek.

Castien frowns. “What’s wrong?”

“It didn’t burn you.”

“What didn’t? The pollen?”

“Stardust. It’s deadly. It burns.”

Castien’s brows draw together in confusion. “But it didn’t burn. Maybe it was a different flower that doesn’t burn.”

I shake my head and show him my arm. Instantly, his face changes, his eyes widening in shock and concern.

“By the Gods, Tian, you are injured. We must find a healer.”

“I’m alright.” I glance around, to see the guards have the situation contained. A number of men, and the young girl, are being led away.

“Castien, are you hurt?” Castien’s father appears at his side and, gripping his shoulders, turns him, eyes scanning him with deep concern.

“I’m fine, Father. Tian is hurt.”

“Let me see.” I jump as Father appears at my side and takes my arm, hissing through my teeth at the pain. “We must get you to a healer. Follow me,” he adds to Castien and his father. “We must get within the palace quickly.

I notice that my mother and sisters have already vanished through the gates and we hurry to follow. Castien hovers at my side as Father hurries me through the corridors to the healing quarters. It is not until we arrive that I realise Mother has joined our group. She clucks with concern as the chief healer tears off the arm of my shirt to examine the skin beneath. Other healers have hurried Castien away to examine him. His complaints keep me focussed as the healer probes the burns. I must not scream in front of my love.

I notice Father is gazing at Castien with a deep frown. I can’t help but remember his words on our ride. Is there something strange about Castien? Does he know? Is there something he isn’t telling me?

“This will hurt, my Prince,” the healer says, and he isn’t wrong. As he lays his hands over my arm heat radiates and my burns flare in a bright, hot pain that finally tears a scream from me, cut short when the pain shoots up my arm and switches off my brain.

I wake sometime later to the comforting sound of a ceiling fan. I smile at the sound of squirrels racing across the roof, their footsteps thundering like elephants. There is only one place where squirrels play so. I must be in my room, where overhanging branches provide a playground for not just squirrels. Indeed, as I lie and listen, lighter footsteps patter over the glass. and the fluting song of a temi bird float through the window. I have always wondered that such a large bird has so sweet a song.

“Tian. Are you awake?”

Castien’s worried voice draws me from my comfortable doze and I open my eyes to find him bending over my bed. I raise my hand to touch his face, but pain stops me. Memory returns in a rush and I allow my arm to fall back onto the bed.

“Don’t move your arm,” Castien cautions. “The healer says it will be fine in a few days, although you may have a scar. Don’t worry, I don’t care. Not that you will worry, but just in case….” Castien’s voice fades and he smiles. “I’m sorry. I’m babbling. I’ve been so worried.”

“How long have I been asleep.”

“Two days.”

“Two days?” Suddenly I am wide awake and struggle to sit up. The room spins around me and I fall back with Castien’s hand on my chest, encouraging me.

“Don’t panic. The healers made you sleep out the worst of the pain. “They came a little while ago and announced you fit to wake. They said your arm would be painful but bearable.”

I test my arm with a gentle movement and it hurts but not too much to bear.

“What happened?” My memory of the period just before I passed out is hazy. I remember the Starbloom and its deadly spores, but why was it ever presented to Castien.

“Apparently there is a movement that strongly objects to our alliance. They distrust us as much as my people distrust yours. Unfortunately, in your case the resistance is not confined to the Counsel. A group of rebels decided to take things into their own hands and get rid of me. Apparently they want to go further than break the alliance and go straight to all-out war. They thought that if they hurt me my father would retaliate and provide an excuse to imprison him and use him as a hostage to bring The Kingdom to its knees.”

“That’s outrageous. Were they apprehended?”

Castien frowns. “Those present were, but they have, so far, refused to give up their leaders. The allege they do not know them, and that may well be the case. Security has been increased, and our journey to Nestra has been delayed until our safety can be guaranteed.”

That I can understand. “I should─”

“No. What you should do is rest and heal. I will stay with you.”

Castien’s beautiful eyes are soft and shine with love. An itch at the back of my mind forces itself into my consciousness. “Your eyes. Your face. Why did the pollen not burn you?”

Now go check out the rest of the amazing flashers

Monday, 3 October 2016

What Am I Doing?

I'm sure there must be at least one person out there who's wondering what I'm getting up to, at least after reading this first sentence,

Well, as usual, I have about a dozen things on the go with not much getting done on any of them. I'm really trying to be good and narrow my focus, but I'm just not good at it. Not as bad as I am at business, marketing and promotion, but I'm trying hard to be better at those too. It's a case of groping in the dark but hey, when has groping ever been wrong, right? Well okay, sexual harassment is wrong but APART from that....

This is an update of the main things I'm working on

Enigma

If you're as curious as Silver is about what the heck is going on in his world, read on

Enigma I is complete and won't be changed, other than being cleaned up a little bit.

Enigma II Fighting the Man - The new cover has been completed and we're due for a cover reveal very soon. Red has outdone himself and the cover is awesome.

Enigma III Friends and Lovers - This is complete and with Red for formatting. Red has started working on the cover but I haven't seen it yet.

We're looking to do a cover reveal on Enigma II in November with both I and II available free for a week/two week period before the release of III so everyone can get hold of the first two books before III hits them between the eyes.

For anyone who knows Silver and his friends, Book III will be more of the same but bigger. Ariel is getting into all kinds of trouble - most of which he brings on himself. River is getting things wrong, as usual, but at least he's trying. Ben is being a typical adolescent, and it backfires - big time. And Silver is...just being Silver.

Books IV and V are completed and will be coming in the New Year. Silver won't leave me alone and I'm already planning another book in which he goes on his first holiday and has a shocking phone call from his former Master.

New Releases

I have had one acceptance from Wayward Ink of a submission I made a while ago, which I hope will be released in the New Year

Angel's Heart is slightly different to my usual in that it is an outright romance.

Angel is a homeless whore with a bad heart
Sam is a feisty policeman who despises whores
When Sam is set to protect Angel from a murderer sparks fly.
Sam's open disgust slowly changes to something more as he learns to see past his own preconceptions and prejudices. When Angel meets and befriends a local teenager is Sam's anger really just about Angel's safety, or could it be jealousy.
As the murderer closes in, Sam's professionalism slips as he finally faces his feelings for Angel - but can Angel's heart take it?

I love Angel. He's a sweet boy with a big heart. It's a shame he's living on borrowed time with a heart condition he refuses to acknowledge. I can't promise he survives the book, but I'm sure he'll light your life before the end (of the book)

Current Projects

Angel

I'm almost finished revising an m/f and m/m paranormal romance that I wrote some time ago. It's about vampires and angels, and is the first of a trilogy (at least it's expected to be). I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it when it's finished. I might go on to work on Book II (which has been written and completed) and Book III which has a lot of work to do and is about half finished.

Pretty Little Thing

Part I of a two part, young adult, contemporary romance series. This is finished, polished and ready to go.

This is one of my favourites. Not only are the characters endearing but I've explored all kinds of unconventional relationships.

Cammy is a small package of huge personality who wears silver hotpants to "wear your own clothes" day at school
Thorne is the ultra conservative son of an eminent politician who's about to make the big time with his goth band.
Rainbow (Bow) is an autistic boy with mental health issues who it is simply impossible not to fall in love with.

The three of them form a close bond and unusual relationship on a commune in Wales, while dodging bullets (literally) from Thorne's father who most certainly does not approve.

Callista is Cammy's mother who is in a relationship with, and has a child by, Luke, the leader of the commune. She also has a relationship and a child with Starchild, Bow's brother and a Rock Superstar. She also has relationships with two other men each with a child (one of which is Cammy) These relationships are ongoing and "the fathers" as they are collectively called are all fully aware of each other (and in some cases casually involved with each other)

The whole thing could be a complete mess, but I think it works.

In Book II, which is three quarters written, Thorne's band, The Forsaken are on the rise, touring with Cosmic Explosion, Starchild's band. This takes Thorne away from his boyfriends which takes a toll on Bow, who still won't move past kissing and cuddling even though "only sixteen" has now become "only seventeen" This time is is The Forsaken's drummer, Avon who provides the drama

Willow's Way

A young adult fantasy trilogy. This is a trip into fairyland that really allowed me to let loose my imagination. From flying green panthers, to shadow assassins and demons, to scarred princesses, two headed snakes and a mad (or is he) skink wizard. Book I is complete, Book II is almost complete and Book III is sketched

No idea who I'm going to sub with because it's mixed m/m and m/f

NaNoWriMo

This year will be a collaboration with Stephanie Danielson, and so far we have two MC's, a small supporting cast and the bones of a story.

Sky is a drag queen, Travis is a welder working at his father's garage. Trav's brother doesn't approve but his girlfriend (who may now be his ex) is on a mission to bring them together.

There are other things in the pipeline but I really should be confining myself to these for the moment. Of course I won't because that plot bunny is just waiting to pounce and another "next great thing" is waiting on the horizon. I hope that at least some of this list will be finished before then

Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Wednesday Briefs Demon Chapter Thirty Three

There were some lovely prompts this week and I chose this one because it very much fits in with the way I can see this story going. I sense unexpected twists coming up.

The land through which we travel is very beautiful, but I am distracted by the pain in my side which makes breathing difficult. I must try to hide it from my father or he will have Lord Trevithick beaten, or even killed, and that would turn the Counsel against us.

The weather is extremely mild. Even when it rains it is hardly cold. Perhaps it is summer – or spring. It is almost always cold in The Kingdom. This clemency appears to have extended to the land and everything in it. Trees seem greener here, grass smells fresher and the river sparkles in the warm sunshine. It’s almost as if nothing is quite real, that it is an illusion of the best that could be. Strange, but although it seems like illusion, at the same time it is more real than anything in The Kingdom has ever been to me.

A creature darts from the forest, close to the road. It pauses, stares at us ─ at me ─ then turns and disappears back into the trees. It couldn’t be real. Deer-like in shape, with branching antlers standing proud on its head, it is smaller than a hunting hound; no more than two measures high. It’s back would not reach my knee. It’s hide is shimmering white, holding the promise of many colours, almost seen. My eyes burn with the sight of it long after it has gone.

As we progress, I see other animals, most of which are familiar, but some that are entirely alien. I am unsure whether others see what I see, but there is a growing restlessness among our caravan that makes me think they do.

We round a bend in the road and the vision that unfolds before us is almost beyond my comprehension. Why had I ever thought the people of this land, were simple forest folk?

From a slight incline the river spreads out below me. The faint shimmer I had thought was light on the water, is a bridge of glass, barely visible. Near the foot of the bridge, on an island in the middle of a river-bend is a small settlement, dominated by a large building that shimmers in the afternoon sun. Light refracts from many windows, and from a roof that appears to be made of glass. There are many gasps from behind me in the caravan.

I am mesmerised by the glittering towers and crystal rooves of not only the palace but the houses of the village that surrounds it. Light refraction lends colour to the crystalline surfaces and wherever there was no glass there was light stone, which I recognise as that which lies on the bed of the stream and the occasions outcrop we have passed on the road. The entire settlement gives the impression of cleanliness and prosperity.

We pass across a bridge that spans the river to the island. It is barely visible and our animals prance nervously until they find their feet and satisfy themselves the bridge is sturdy. On the far side, we pass under a stone arch and find ourselves in a courtyard paved with pink and white tiles. Grooms dressed in clothing very similar to those of the reception committee who now ride with our convoy. They take the reins of our animals and cheerfully urge us to dismount, which we do. We are left standing in an uncertain group at the center of the courtyard.

My father barks orders and soon, both our men and our animals have been led in different directions leaving a small group of myself, my father, Tian, his father and a small knot of personal guard. Other guards have taken Lord Trevithick, complaining bitterly. My father asked he be treated well, according to his position, but confined until such time as an enquiry can be carried out.

Tian’s father leads us through a clean, wide street in what is clearly a prosperous town. The people who walk the streets, or peep out of windows and doors, are dressed well in soft, pale fabrics and seem curious but unworried by our presence.

At the end of the street the road widens into another courtyard, this time spreading in front of the gates of the glorious palace.

It is not nearly as large as any of our palaces. Little more than a large house, but the elegant lines and pale stone makes it appear larger, and spun from some kind of edible structure. As we cross the courtyard the gates swing open.

I feel very exposed and I know father and our guards are nervous, too. It would be unthinkable, in the Kingdom, for a royal or nobleman to be out in the open like this. How can we be properly guarded? What if attackers should come from the streets surrounding the courtyard? We might be trapped in the middle.

A hand slips into mind and I find myself gazing into my lover’s eyes. His expression brings me calm.

“You have nothing to fear here,” he says and I believe him.

A small knot of people awaits us in the courtyard. Before I have opportunity to examine them closely, a small girl runs forward and holds out her hands to me. In the cupped palms is a tiny plant, two green leaves rising bravely from a bed of rich, brown earth.

Unsure of what is expected of me, I hold out my hands and she carefully transfers her gift with such a solemn expression I can barely suppress and smile.

When the plant is safely in my hands the girl steps back and smiles shyly at me. Before I can respond to her a strange tingle in my palms draws my attention and I gaze in wonder as the plant grows, its stem thrusting upwards and leaves unfolding along its length. At the tip, a bud forms and burst the pure white flower within scattering glittering spores as it opens.

Here are the rest of the briefers this week. Enjoy

Monday, 26 September 2016

Cover Reveal On Fire by Alicia Nordwell

I want to share a big thank you to my host for featuring the cover reveal today for my latest Dreamspinner Press release, On Fire, made by Garrett Leigh. Without further ado...

A fun tidbit: I actually took the picture of the mountain (it was not on fire at the time, lol)

A picture is definitely worth a thousand words when it comes to a cover, and these guys are hot, but I bet you'd like to know more about their story, so here goes!

Blurb:

Nothing beats getting out of the concrete jungle and into the quiet of the forest. Website designer Scottie Ness is taking a well-deserved vacation from the grindstone, and he plans to spend it in the solitude of Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest around Mt. Adams. He’s prepared for everything—except the lightning storm that traps him in a wildfire.

The firefighter who rescues him sustains serious injuries and ends up in the hospital. Jax Quintero might be abrasive, but the guy saved his life, and Scottie wants to thank him. As they spend time together during Jax’s recovery and exploring the state’s landmarks when he’s released from the hospital, Scottie discovers there’s more to Jax than a smart-ass adrenaline junkie. Jax reassesses his opinion of Scottie as an arrogant city boy who has no business in the mountains. Though Jax’s wounds prevent them from taking things as far as they’d like for a while, they can’t deny the heat building between them—and this is one fire they don’t want to put out.

Where can you pick up your copy?

On Fire is available for pre-order at Dreamspinner Press now!

https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/on-fire-by-alicia-nordwell-7675-b

Contest!!

Because I love my fellow readaholics, I'm giving away a $5 gift card to Dreamspinner Press to celebrate finally being able to share On Fire's awesome cover and my photo inspiration for Jax and Scottie.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

The number one question folks ask Alicia when she shares she's a MM romance author: "Why gay fiction? Why write men when you're a woman?" and her answer is: "Why the hell not!" Alicia Nordwell is one of those not so rare creatures, a reader turned writer. Striving to find an interesting story one day, she decided to write what she wanted instead. Then the voices started... Yep, not only does she talk about herself in the third person for bios, she has voices in her head constantly clamoring to get out.

Fortunately, with the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided for her own sanity to keep writing. Now you can find her stories both free and e-published. When she’s not on the computer typing away, she's a wife and a mom of two in the dreary, yet ideal for her redhead complexion, Pacific Northwest. Except for when she disappears into one of the many worlds in her head, of course!

She can also be found quite often at her blog, where she has a lot of free fiction for readers to enjoy or working hard, or maybe hardly working, as an admin on GayAuthors.org under her online nickname, Cia.

Blog: http://ciasstories.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicia.nordwell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliciaNordwell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4479520.Alicia_Nordwell

Thursday, 22 September 2016

Flight Anthology Release Day

The 2016 Queer Sci Fi Flash Fiction anthology, "Flight", is here, and I have a story in it!

It's a really cool concept: A 300-word story should be easy, right? Many of our entrants say it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever written. Queer Sci Fi's Annual Flash Fiction Contest challenges authors to write a complete LGBTQ speculative fiction micro-story on a specific theme.

"Flight" leaves much for the authors to interpret—winged creatures, flight and space vehicles, or fleeing from dire circumstances. Some astonishing stories were submitted—from horrific, bloodcurdling pieces to sweet, contemplative ones—and all LGBTQ speculative fiction. The stories in this anthology include AI’s and angels, winged lions and wayward aliens. Smart, snappy slice of life pieces written for entertainment or for social commentary.

Join us for brief and often surprising trips into 110 speculative fiction authors’ minds. The book us available in eBook form (4.99), and will soon be available in paperback with b/w illustrations inside (12.99) and in a special collector's edition with color illustrations (24.99).

Buy Links
Amazon eBook | Kobo | All Romance | Goodreads

Excerpt

What good is flight when there is no from or to; when the ‘from’ is gone and the ‘to’ far too far? Better, perhaps, simply to stay. But what if there is nowhere to stay?

Weary. So weary. Weary of flying and weary of staying. Perhaps, then, better to fall. No! Better to fly; to fly until there is no more flying in me, and then–– Darkness awaits wherever, but I am not one to submit. That’s my curse.

“Wait up.”

Oh no.

Wednesday, 21 September 2016

Wednesday Briefs. Demon Chapter Thirty One and Two

I'm tired. This week is a neverending round of meetings and appointments. I haven't been able to rest properly since I came back from holiday and my body is complaining bitterly. I did a crazy thing the day before yesterday and bought new furniture. It's being delivered on Saturday, right in the middle of the visit of a friend I haven't seen in years. Sigh. I just have to keep in mind that it will all be worth it in the end. In the meantime, here is the next installment of Demon, with even more questions being dredged up.

It appears I messed up the posting and numbering, because I completely missed out a week!!!

This post was supposed to have been Chapter Thirty Two which disappeared entirely. Therefore, I have added the chapter in to this one. I hope that makes sense.

This week I chose this picture

Chapter Thirty One

It hurts to stand and to breathe, but not as much as it hurts that I was too weak to prevent what happened to Tian. Father rages at Lord Trevithick and he rages back. The things he says disgust me.

“Stop.” The sound of my voice surprises me. It is louder and braver than I feel. “You laid hands not only on me but my prince also. Do not forget you are on his lands now. You have no authority here. Father, arrest him and hold him pending investigation. It is the least you can do given his assault on your son, and the possible damage what he has done to Tian might have on our mission here.”

Father hesitates. I understand why he does so. Lord Trevithick was one a friend of his and he holds great sway with the Counsel. However, this time he has gone too far and they both know it. Lord Trevithick blusters, spewing hatred about our coupling and a spear of unease hurts my heart. What if he does some real damage with my father or the Counsel? What if they hurt Tian? No. I cannot allow that to happen.

“Silence.” Again the strength of my own voice takes me by surprise. It hurts a little but I thrust the pain aside. It is fading anyway. “What we did was not wrong. Perhaps leading you to believe Jandra was Tian’s betrothed was wrong, but that was not my idea. I have always wanted honesty and here it is. Tian and I love each other and we will be together whether ignorant old men such as you will it or not.”

“It is an abomination. It is everything that is wrong with this sick alliance.”

“I love Tian and he loves me. There is nothing abominable about that, and this alliance is all that gives your miserable arse opportunity to save its seat in our home. Without it, when the South rises your perverted morals will do you no good against their magic. Do not speak.” I cut him off when he would have protested. A quick glance at Father reveals an almost amused expression. It gives me courage to continue.

“But this is for a later time. We have more pressing issues. Whatever your opinion of the alliance or my bedding habits you assaulted me and committed treason.”

“This is ludicrous. It was an accident. I was defending the honour of the kingdom and the crown as you defiled it with that demon.”

“That demon is my betrothed and crown prince of these lands. You will use his given name or title; or you will not speak of him at all. Your accident was a deliberate blow that caused me injury. There will be no more discussion. Guards, arrest Lord Trevithick and put him under guard on charge of treason.”

“Hold there,” Lord Trevithick blusters. “You have no right. I am a member of the Counsel.”

“Who is not exempt from charges of treason.”

“Still, that is going a little too far.”

I stare at my father in shock. I was not naïve enough to believe my father would approve of my actions but I did not think he would gainsay me. My heard slumps as Lord Trevithick sneers.

“Not at all,” a voice says, drawing our eyes to the raised flap and the handsome man who stands there. “In fact, if you do not arrest this man for treason under your laws, I shall have to do so under mine.”

“What? What are you talking about? Who are you? How dare you enter the royal tend uninvited.”

Without a word, the man moves smoothly into the tent and strikes Lord Trevithick across the face, sending him flying backward, as I had done a short while ago.

“That is for daring to lay hands on the Crown Prince of Coedwen. Had it not been that I respect the alliance I would have killed you for what you did.”

The cold, hard expression falls from the man’s golden eyes as he turns away from Lord Trevithick, with a flick of his hand, instantly dismissing him from his attention. “And this, I presume is the man that has stolen my son’s wits.”

I find myself wrapped in a warm embrace. Stunned, I hesitantly settle my arms around his surprisingly large girth and gaze over his shoulder. Tian beams at me and winks. Men dressed in forest great drag Lord Trevithick out of the tent while our own men watch helpless awaiting direction from my father, which never comes.

After a few moments Tian’s father draws back and scours my face, with a serious expression on his. “Tian has made a good choice,” he says. “For all that he was a damn fool to follow the pull of your bonding without proper preparation, I cannot say I blame him. When his mother’s call came I would have moved mountains to get to her.” His eyes narrow slightly. “You need work, but you will make a fine King.”

I begin to smile, but then his words hit. First; what does he mean need work? Second, and more important; king? True, I am crown prince and therefore set to rule after my father, but I feel that is not what he meant. It hits me. If Tian and I are joined, we are heirs to two kingdoms. I will rule here as he will rule my home. Oh hell.

As if reading my mind, Tian’s father smiles and grips my shoulder. “Details will come. For now perhaps you, and my wayward son, might like to dress. Come Alfric, let us leave our young to their affairs. I have a feast prepared. Partake of wine with me and our sons will follow as they may. I will leave my guard to ensure they are escorted safely to my halls. Your entourage would do well to strike camp and follow as soon as they may. The feast extends to them all.

Chapter Thirty Two

“Your bonded is very beautiful,” father says as we ride, side by side along a familiar road.

“Yes, he is. His heart is very pure.”

Father nods, but appears thoughtful, almost pensive. Words hang, unsaid between us and my anxiety increases. I had hoped father would take time to get to know Castien before he formed an opinion, but I should have known better. Father is a perceptive man and makes quick judgements that are rarely wrong.

I glance back to where Castien rides with his father. He seems ill at ease. Is he, too, anxious about his reception in my family and my home.

“What do you know about him?” Father asks, startling me.

“What do you mean?”

“Are you certain of his parentage?”

“What? I don’t understand. There are no doubts I’ve heard expressed regarding his claim to the throne.”

“It’s not his claim that concerns me.”

“Then what does?”

“Have you not sensed it?”

“Sensed what?” Father’s words scare me, but not as much as his expression. His brows are drawn and the tension in his lips betray deep emotion. He cannot be angry with my love; not this soon, so what can it be?

“Tell me all you know about him.”

Puzzled and alarmed though I am, I dare not question – mostly because I am afraid of the answers I might receive. A quickly and concisely as I can, trying to preserve objectivity, I appraise Father of all that I know, which I soon realize is not very much.

“I know he seems…different to the others; smaller and more delicate, but he has suffered ill health all his life. I hoped our healers might discover the cause and assist him to overcome his ailments.”

“What have you felt? You have some skill in healing. Surely you have made some attempt to cleanse him. You must have touched his energies during the bonding. Did you get no sense of where the problems lie?”

I think back. There have been a number of times when energy has flown between us and his has always been golden. I ponder. The energies of The Kingdom generally, are harsh and uncompromising. They are coloured red and purple. Of course, people vary and shades differ, but it is rare that one born and raised among one colour palette bears none of the shades of those around him. True, the queen is not purple and red, but neither is she gold. Come to think of it, I have never come across anyone whose energy is so golden; so…pure.

“I think I understand. Castien is very different to anyone else I have met from The Kingdom. His energy is golden. I have never encountered anyone whose energy is so bright or so pure. His flaws are invisible at that level. Whatever issues manifest externally have no roots in his energies. What does it mean? Everyone has flaws. Why am I not seeing them? And where does his ill health come from?”

“Perhaps your eyes are blinded by your love.” Finally, Father’s face relaxes into one of his warm smiles. “I can see that he is easy to love. Whatever mystery surrounds him does not detract from his sweetness.”

“You will accept him?”

Father’s smile turns sad. “Did you fear I would not?”

“Not until this conversation.”

“Take heart. There is something about your bonded that worries me deeply, but it does not flavour my certainty that he will be a good partner for you and an excellent ally for our people. Your mother will love him as much as you do, from first sight.”

“And you?” My heart thuds. I had not realized quite how important it would be that my father not only approve of, but care about my love.

“He has changed you. Your restlessness is calmed; your spirit shines. I cannot say for sure until I know him better, but my feeling is that he and I shall come to be good friends. Fear not, I will approve your union, and I will care for him as my own.”

Breath hisses from me and sudden weakness causes my hand to shake on the reins. Had I really been so worried?

The River Rede meanders through the wide plain at the heart of Coedwen, as though the Great Mother wrote in water, a word of power in a script long since forgotten. To have followed its banks would have added weeks to our journey. The loops are miles wide and cities sparkle, crouch or bask on the islands that decorate the arcs and curves. Some are large enough for great, sprawling cities, some so small they are inhabited only by small tufts of trees and the graceful birds that flock to the magical waters of the river. Fortunately, there are bridges, and we will soon join the great road that cuts through the centre of the valley. I wonder what they will make of that, as it is made not by man but by magic.

Our visitors may scoff at the existence of magic, but they are in my world now. Long ago, magillium was commonplace, and its properties permeated our lands and contaminated the water. Over centuries this has been diluted but there are few plants or animals here who do not exhibit some small talent in the manipulation of energy that some call magic. I wonder what my prince and his people will think when they first come across such a plant or creature.

So far, we have travelled only the very edge of our country, where magic is at its weakest. My gaze is drawn to the misty horizon where the mountain that shelters my home is visible only as a shadow against the morning sun. We will not reach it today, but we have a palace on the shores of a small island within the next loop. We should reach it within the hour. Here, my prince will receive his first taste of the life we will live; safe from the ridiculous rules and prejudices that have imprisoned his spirit for so long.

Now go check out the rest of our flashers this week

Cia Nordwell

Louise Lyons

Elyzabeth VaLey

Julie Lynn Hayes

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

Wednesday Briefs Demon Chapter Thirty

This week, there is a very tenuous link between the prompt and the story. The image I chose was of what I have decided is a feast, and everyone is invited to a feast at the end of mine so it counts, right.

It hurts to stand and to breathe, but not as much as it hurts that I was too weak to prevent what happened to Tian. Father rages at Lord Trevithick and he rages back. The things he says disgust me.

“It is an abomination. It is everything that is wrong with this sick alliance.”

“But this is for a later time. We have more pressing issues. Whatever your opinion of the alliance or my bedding habits you assaulted me and committed treason.”

“This is ludicrous. It was an accident. I was defending the honour of the kingdom and the crown as you defiled it with that demon.”

“Hold there,” Lord Trevithick blusters. “You have no right. I am a member of the Counsel.”

“Who is not exempt from charges of treason.”

“Still, that is going a little too far.”

I stare at my father in shock. I was not naïve enough to believe my father would approve of my actions but I did not think he would gainsay me. My heard slumps as Lord Trevithick sneers.

“What? What are you talking about? Who are you? How dare you enter the royal tend uninvited.”

Without a word, the man moves smoothly into the tent and strikes Lord Trevithick across the face, sending him flying backward, as I had done a short while ago.

“That is for daring to lay hands on the Crown Prince of Coedwen. Had it not been that I respect the alliance I would have killed you for what you did.”

Now is the time to hurry off and read all the rest of the flashes. There are plenty to partake of this week

Friday, 9 September 2016

Wide Open Spaces by Renee Stevens

A Before B (B before A)

Know what that is? Neither did I, at first. What I did find out, thanks to my editors, is that this is something that I have done numerous times and didn’t even realize it. Luckily for me, they also explained it to me, and now this is one more thing that I can check for before submitting. My senior editor even complimented me on the lack of “A before B” in my States of Love submission, Wide Open Spaces.

So what is “A before B”? This is how my editor described it: This is a term that refers to explaining the order in which events occur when it is not necessary. It is often, but not always, signaled by the word “before.” A before B tends to distract the reader, slow the pace of the narrative, and point out with unnecessary constructions an order of events that is otherwise already clear. Another tell I’ve found is the use of the word “after”.
Examples of “A before B”
Before he closed the door, he shut the light off.
After he shut the light off, he closed the door.
He closed the door after shutting off the light.
He shut the light off before he closed the door.
The way to fix all of these, is simple: He shut the light off and closed the door.

Correct Uses
What do you want to do after dinner?
He needed to pick up the toys before someone slipped on them and broke their necks.
Is this something you’ve come across in your own writing? If so, what are some of your “A before B moments?

AVAILABLE NOW

WIDE OPEN SPACES
States of Love - Wyoming

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Maria Fanning

Genre: Contemporary
Length: 35,659 Words
Rating: Adult/Mature

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Blurb

Devon fled Wyoming as soon as he turned eighteen, leaving behind his high school love, Levi. After six years in the big city, Devon returns to his hometown. Not much has changed, except that Levi is no longer in the closet. He’s also single and living his dream—managing the local wild horse population. Both of them are very interested in picking up where they left off, but Devon is no more ready to reveal his orientation than he was as a teenager.

No one is going to shove Levi back in the closet—not even Devon. For a relationship to work, they’ll have to put the past behind them and find the courage to face the future as who they really are—a couple in love. But Devon doesn’t know if he’s strong enough. Maybe Levi would be better off without him—and his hang-ups.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

Excerpt

Devon sank down on his couch as exhaustion swamped him. Most of it was from moving in, but the change in elevation didn’t help. He’d gotten used to being closer to sea level, so going back to the dry air at over six thousand feet was going to take some getting used to.

Bloody noses had become the norm while he stayed with Blake. Devon didn’t want to deal with them repeatedly and considered getting a humidifier until he managed to acclimate.

He looked around his living room. Boxes were scattered everywhere, and he should be unpacking, but he was too tired. At least he hadn’t had to carry everything in himself. Blake, Travis, and Seth were waiting for him when he pulled into the apartment complex. They shrugged off his objections and insisted they had nothing better to do. Devon appreciated it, but he wasn’t comfortable around them anymore. He managed to be a proper host, but damn, he was glad they left after a couple beers each. They made noise about getting together again soon, but Devon had used getting settled in as an excuse to keep from committing to anything.

He stood and wandered into his small kitchen. He didn’t bother opening the fridge or any of the cupboards. He knew they were empty. His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten for a while. Devon dug his keys out of his pocket and headed for the door. He’d get something to eat and then maybe stop at the store to pick up a few staples. Paper plates, sandwich fixings, some chips, and he’d be good for a couple of days. At least it would give him time to get a few things—like pots and pans—unpacked. Then he could do a full grocery shop.

An hour later he was comfortably full from a greasy burger, fries, and a shake. He’d never eaten a lot of fast food, but he had few other options. He headed to Walmart, determined to stick to his list of sandwich stuff and maybe some eggs. Surely he could dig out some pans before the food expired. He headed to the chips first and scanned for the familiar bag of Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles. They were his all-time favorite, though he also knew he’d want something else after a day or two. So he grabbed a couple of other bags and headed for the eggs and then the freezer aisle.

Sandwiches and chips would get old fast. He found some frozen breakfast sandwiches he could microwave, tossed them in the cart, and moved on. Frozen lasagna quickly joined the few other items in his cart, followed by some potpies, a few TV dinners, and a bag of chimichangas. So what if he wasn’t sticking to his mental list?

He was more focused on getting groceries for the next few days than on the people around him.

“Devon.”

He froze when a familiar voice spoke his name. He closed his eyes briefly, ducked his head, and steeled himself. He knew it would happen eventually, when he found out Levi still lived there. He thought he’d have more time to prepare. He swallowed—hard—and turned to face the man who had at one time meant everything to him. The man he’d risked being found out for. He lifted his head and gazed into the moss-colored eyes.

“Levi.”

About the Author

Renee Stevens first started writing in her teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties. Since then she’s written a number of contemporary stories, as well as delved into the paranormal. When not writing, or spending time in the outdoors, Renee can usually be found working on GayAuthors.org in her capacity of Admin, Blog Coordinator, and Anthology Coordinator.

Renee resides in Wyoming with her wonderfully supportive husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters. Making the most of the nearly constant negative temperatures and mounds of snow, Renee spends much of the winter months in hibernation with her laptop, the voices in her head keeping her company while her husband works.

When she needs a break from writing, Renee takes to the sewing machine to design, and make, beautiful quilts. When the snow finally disappears, usually around May or June, Renee can be found in the great-outdoors. She spends her time on the mountain, at the lake, and just anywhere that she can do some camping, take some photos, and ride the four-wheelers with her hubby. Once back at home, it’s back to writing.

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