Secret Cravings Winter Wonderland Third Anniversary Blog Hop!!

Welcome to the Secret Cravings Publishing Winter Wonderland Blog Event!  There are lots of prizes to win on both the main blog and each author’s blogs to celebrating our third anniversary.  How do you win on the Secret Cravings Publishing blog?  It’s very simple!  Find the missing letter on each author’s blog then e-mail your answers to reviewcoordinator@secretcravingspublishing.com for your chance to win!!

And how do you win on my blog?  Just comment below!!  And what could you win?  You could win a copy of either Black Irish (Black Irish #), Queen of Savon or Breaking the Cycle!!  I will be picking three lucky winners on the evening of January 30th!!

This is Secret Cravings Publishing’s third year of romance and this is my first year with them.  This has been the most incredible year.  I have published five books (soon to be six!), I have met fans and other Secret Craving’s authors.  I have been interviewed and have done some interviewing.  I have become a radio show host and an E-zine editor.  My dream since I was little was to be a writer.  Now I am leaving my dream times ten.  Let me give you a taste of what I have published this year.

Black Irish (Black Irish #1)
Released May 8, 2013
Find here on Sweet Cravings Publishing
Abbey couldn’t believe he was gay. She nearly ran away from her dreams of being a children’s book writer when she was introduced to her illustrator Sloan O’Riley, a dark, sensual Irishman with incredible blue eyes. He certainly couldn’t be good for Abbey’s relationship with her boyfriend back in Iowa. How could she stay in New York and work with the sinfully sexy Sloan even if he was gay? And when Sloan is threatened to be deported, how far would Abbey go to keep him in the US?

Sloan was forced to tell a little white lie. He had no choice. He couldn’t let the sweet, beautiful, Abbey Wright flee from his life – not without a chance to explore the sudden desire he felt for her. But what would Abbey do if she ever discovered the truth about Sloan’s sexuality – or learned the deeper, darker secret he’s been hiding?

Queen of Savon
Released June 11, 2013
Find here on Secret Cravings Publishing
Cassandra is brought to the palace by her grandfather, the sorcerer Malicar, after her parents are brutally murdered.  After being presented to King Thomas she is raised alongside two boys – Thomas’s son, Matthew and Victor, the young man chosen to be Matthew’s commander of the army.

However her life in the royal palace comes at a price. She is vowed into a life of servitude Matthew’s advisor, forfeiting the dream of having a husband and children of her own.

As they mature into adults, childhood curiosities turn to jealousy and burning desire. Cassandra finds herself caught between the two men and forced to make a decision – to throw away her vows for the life she dreamt about with a man she does not love or to stay shackled to the promises she made as a child to be with the man she wants with her heart, body and soul but cannot have.

Heartland (Black Irish #2)
Released August 6, 2013
Find here on Sweet Cravings Publishing
Sloan and Abbey move to Abbey’s hometown of Mount Vernon, Iowa, to start their new lives together away from the chaos of New York City.  And they are not alone – they are joined by Gordon, Maggie, and Bartholomew each looking for a fresh start and new love in the small rural town.

Their marriage is put to the test by the reappearance of Abbey’s father, bullies from her high school days, a business opportunity in Miami, and a new baby on the way.  When a person from their past comes back looking to make Abbey his own again, will he be able to tear Sloan and Abbey apart forever?

The Troubles (Black Irish #3)
Released November 24, 2013
Find here at Sweet Cravings Publishing
While Sloan and Abbey are in Las Vegas to celebrate Gordon and Mary’s wedding,  a enemy from Sloan’s past nearly kills her.  Sloan is forced to do the unthinkable – he files for divorce.  He moves Sloan Enterprises to Switzerland far away from the woman he loves to save her.

Three years pass.  When Sloan invites Robert to Switzerland to celebrate his fortieth birthday, he learns shocking news – Robert is living with Abbey.  Refusing to lose Abbey, Sloan relocates the company to Minneapolis, Minnesota where Abbey is living and makes her the Chief Operating Officer.  He fights against his desire for her as he contends with her two new beaus, his own new girlfriend, her hostile family and Amelia, his four-year-old daughter.

When his enemy makes another attempt on Abbey’s life, will Sloan be able to save her – or is this a war he just can’t win?

Breaking the Cycle
Released January 13, 2014
Find here at Sweet Cravings Publishing
Max is excited when Chloe, a girl that works for the same gym he does, agrees to go on a date with him.  He is disturbed, though, when she becomes violently ill after he kisses her.  Max can’t shake how he feels about her.  He sacrifices his job and does everything he can to find an answer to her illness.  But is it enough to save their relationship – and save her?

Chloe can’t believe Max Thomas, the hottest guy at Roadie’s Gym, wants to go out with her.  When their date is a disaster, she thinks she’ll never see him again.  She is stunned when he reappears in her life and tries to find the answer behind whatever has made her sick since she was a child.  However, will he stick around or abandon her like her father did?  Can she trust him enough to let him into her heart?

And coming in February 2014…
The Thirteenth Knight
Life is simple in the village when Thatcher and Miranda realize that their lifelong friendship has turned to love.  Their world is turned upside down when Miranda’s true identity is revealed – she is the niece of the kingdom and the next heir to the throne.  She is swept away to the palace giving Thatcher the only solution available to him.  He will become one of the King’s knights and therefore worthy of Miranda’s hand.

When dark magic strikes the kingdom, it is Thatcher’s bravery that saves the King and the kingdom.  Yet being a knight is not enough nobility to marry the woman he loves.  When the source of the dark magic captures the palace and vows to make Miranda his bride, both Miranda and Thatcher work to overthrow him.  Will it be enough to bring them together – or will dark magic and the King himself keep them apart?

And we can’t forget my free serial read that is updated every Sunday on the Sweet Cravings Publishing site, Innocent ’til Proven Guilty!
Find here at Sweet Cravings Publishing
Livvy Randall won’t let anything stop her chance at a journalism career in Chicago.  That is until the passenger train she is riding in breaks down in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a town not much bigger than her home in Lincoln, Nebraska.  She acquires a room at the Hotel Montrose where she meets the devilishly handsome Frankie O’Carney, an Irish bad boy working in maintenance at the hotel.

When Frankie is accused of murdering the wealthy H.M. Goodrich, Livvy does everything she can to clear his name.  With danger at every turn, Livvy searches for answers to the questions plaguing her.  Is Frankie with the quiet, brooding Poppy?  Why, when the Irishman is near, does her heart beat out of control?  Will she get out of Cedar Rapids and back on the train to Chicago with her heart intact?  And – is Frankie really innocent…or is he guilty?

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Tuesday Tales – Glass

Happy Tuesday and Welcome to Tuesday Tales!  I have exciting news.  I have signed a contract with Secret Cravings Publishing to publish The Thirteenth Knight!  However the bad news is that I think this will be my second to last post for The Thirteenth Knight.

Don’t forget to stop by and check out incredible excerpts of the other authors of Tuesday Tales!!

The tavern was dark and dank.  The only light was an amber glow from the fire in the hearth.  The only thing the grimy glass windows let through was the scent of the salty sea air.  Thatcher growled as he clenched his large, powerful hands around the mug full of ale.  He couldn’t believe what a fool he had been.  Miranda had betrayed him from the start with her pleas to become his wife.

Had I only known then what a harlot she is.

He glanced up at the beautiful, buxom, blonde barwench as she sashayed by.  And the women.  Women all over the kingdom threw themselves at him, vying for a spot in the bed of one of King’s valiant knights. Thatcher never gave them a second glance.  His heart belonged solely to Miranda.  The viper.

The barwench smiled at him and giggled, her tongue lingering a second longer on her lower lip than it needed to.  Thatcher stared at her ruby lips.  He wondered how they would taste.  He wondered how her soft curves would feel pressed against his body.  He pushed the ale away.  He wouldn’t drown his broken heart in drink tonight.  He would drown it in her.  And tomorrow morning he would take the first ship that would get him far away from this kingdom.  And Miranda’s lying mouth.

He stood on command as the blonde scrunched her finger, beckoning him to her.  A weathered hand clamped down on his shoulder and forced him back on his stool.

“Lad, you want none of that,” a deep, cracked voice behind him scolded.  An old man slumped on the seat next to him, his gray eyes peering at Thatcher through dirty glasses.

“I most certainly do,” Thatcher barked.  “What makes you think I do not?”

“Because if you do, you will break the heart of the woman who loves you, the woman who needs you to return to the palace to rescue her.”

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Tuesday Tales – Building

Happy Tuesday and welcome to another Tuesday Tales!  Our word prompt today is “building”.  We are back with Thatcher and Miranda in The Thirteenth Knight.  Again this section was preceeded by one I wrote a while back:  Tuesday Tales – Silver. 

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Miranda had hardly changed from her courtier’s clothes to her crimson gown trimmed in gold before she was summoned to Brunon again.  She did not have to ask why.  The sounds of battle outside the palace echoed throughout the halls.  The building itself shook with the sounds of war.

Brunon greeted Miranda in the entrance hall, an evil smile wisping across his gaunt face.  “Come, my beloved,” he crooned as he beckoned to her with thin fingers.  “I have a simple task for you.”

Miranda lowered her head.  “Yes, Brunon?”

He motioned to the wall that surrounded the palace.  “I want you to stand on the wall.  I want you to address the king’s army.  And I want you to tell Thatcher you never loved him.”

Tears filled Miranda’s eyes as she shook her head.  “I cannot do that.”

Brunon pressed his lips into a thin line as he pulled free the vial in his hand.  He clasped his skeletal fingers around it and closed his eyes.  The thick crimson liquid began to bubble.  Above the building sounds of battle, Miranda could hear Thatcher’s anguished roar.

“Stop!” Miranda begged.

Brunon released the vial.  “Will you obey me?”

Miranda couldn’t speak.  She could only nod as she fought back her sobs.  Brunon gestured towards the door that led to the wall.

Miranda’s sudden appearance silenced the fighting.  She closed her eyes as she heard Thatcher call her name.  She took a deep breath.  “I’ve come out to speak to you, Sir Thatcher.”

“My love, hide yourself.  The war…”

“There is no need to fight.  I am marrying Count Brunon.  I love him.

“Miranda, you are speaking nonsense.”

“I have never spoken truer in my life.  The lie I told was to you when I said I loved you.  I never have.  I never will.  You do not possess my heart.  Those were sweet words I spoke to trick you.”

“Miranda…”  Thatcher’s voice was low and dangerous.

 “I only agreed to marry you so I would not die alone.  You were a better option than the townspeople feeling pity for me.”

Miranda finally forced herself to look in Thatcher’s eyes.  The deep blue pools were full of hurt, anger and betrayal.  She swallowed back a whimper.  “So fare thee well, Sir Thatcher.  Return to the putrid little hovel you came from.  I will remain here in royalty with my one true love.”

 Thatcher spun on his toe and stormed towards the woods.  His cold, hate filled glare was the last image of him for Miranda before he disappeared.  She rushed into the palace, getting inside the door before she collapsed in sobs.

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Tuesday Tales – Wave

Happy Tuesday everyone and welcome to Tuesday Tales!  We are back with Miranda and Thatcher in The Thirteenth Knight.  And when you are done reading, please check out the other incredible inserts from my talented friends at Tuesday Tales!!

There is a gap from last week’s story to this week’s.  The reason is that I wrote it months ago.  And I apologize…it’s the scene where Miranda sneaks off to see Thatcher (sorry!!).  You can find it here… Tuesday Tales – Light

After a sweet night in Thatcher’s arms, what could possibly be waiting for Miranda the next day?  Let’s find out…

The heat from Thatcher’s kisses still burned Miranda’s lips.  She rubbed the tender flesh, moaning softly as she made her way through the dark hallways to the knight’s bedchambers.  She pulled her fingers away to readjust her cloak.  She was sure she wore her courtier’s clothes more than she wore her gowns now.

She stepped inside Thatcher’s room finding everything as it normally was.  The purple crystals glowed softly, the black shadows inside a little more erratic than normal.  There were new maps pinned to the wall.  Despite the passing of time the room still smelled of Thatcher.   Miranda moaned again as memories of the previous night filled her mind.

She was distracted from her thoughts as a piercing white light filled the room.  She squinted against it as she attempted to find its source.  The purple crystals suddenly flashed pure white, pulsing out beams of light in waves that filled the room.  Riding out of the crystals on the waves drifted the black shadows.  Each fell to the floor then stood on newly formed legs.  A small army of black clad soldiers slowly filled the room.

Miranda screamed.  She grabbed a walking staff leaning against the wall and swung at each of the crystals with all her might.  As she made contact with each crystal it fell to the floor shattered. When the last crystal was destroyed the room fell dark.

She felt a powerful hand clench down hard on her shoulder.  A foreign voice spoke.  “The Master will wish to speak to this one for shattering his stones.”  Her breath was ripped from her lungs as she was dragged roughly from the bedchamber towards the throne room.

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Tuesday Tales – Rough

Hi everyone!  Welcome to another Tuesday Tales!  This week’s word prompt is “rough”.  This week we are back with Thatcher and Miranda in The Thirteenth Knight.  Miranda, dressed as the courtier Ewen, is caught between Thatcher and Brunon.  However neither knows it’s her.  Will she be found out?

Don’t forget to check out the other excerpts from the very talented authors of Tuesday Tales!

Relaying information to both Thatcher and Brunon was exhausting.  Miranda had been doing it for weeks.  Holding the deception for Brunon was terrifying as she continued providing him false information.  Sooner or later he would see through her deception.  And if he discovered that his newest stooge was actually his betrothed?  She trembled at the thought of his reaction.

And Thatcher – to deliver the critical information he needed to stay one step ahead of Brunon was heartwrenching.  To see his radiant sapphire eyes, to see his angled, beautiful face, to bask in the warmth of his smile and not be able to tell him her true identity shredded her heart.

Miranda tugged on a final boot and trudged from her room.  Being one of Brunon’s men now, Ewen had free reign to come and go from the palace.  She pushed at the large, rough, wooden entrance door to open it. 

Miranda jogged down the dirt path weaving between the forest trees in the direction of the knights’ newest campsite.  It took a better part of the morning before she arrived.  She searched among the men for Thatcher unable to find him.

“Ewen, what the devil are you looking for?” Thaddeus chuckled as he caught Miranda’s arm in his hand.

“Sir Thatcher,” she replied as she smiled at her uncle.  I’ve even fooled my own flesh and blood.  “I have my report.”

“He’s down by the stream.  He’s been by himself all morning.”

Miranda made her way through the trees until she heard the trickle of water.  Through the clearing she could see the large, majestic frame of her knight.  She fell to her knee before him, bowing her head low.

“My lord,” she breathed.

Thatcher glanced down at her.  “For the millionth time, Ewen.  Stop bowing to me.  You are part of this band.  Rise.”

Miranda watched as he gazed over the stream forlorn.  She frowned.  “What is troubling you, my lord?”

Thatcher sighed.  He spoke, his voice rough with emotion.  “I miss Miranda, Ewen.  It’s been too long without her.  I fear Brunon has done to her.”

“My lord, Brunon has not harmed Lady Miranda.  She has been in hiding from him.  And he seems to less that interested in seeing her.  That is, until their wedding.”

“I won’t let her marry him, Ewen.  That is for certain.”

Miranda paused.  “My lord, what if I could sneak Lady Miranda here to you?” 

Thatcher’s gaze spun to her.  “You believe you could get her from the palace?” 

“Aye.  As I said, Brunon has no interest in her as of now.  But she cannot stay with you.  You cannot run off with her.  Brunon will send his black clad soldiers and that will be the end of you.  And most of the kingdom.”

“Aye, I know that, Ewen.”

“All right.  Then tonight.  Here.  At this stream.  I will bring you Lady Miranda.”

The smile that spread across Thatcher’s face was brighter than the blazing sun overhead.  “Thank you, Ewen.  You are a true friend. 

“You are welcome, my lord.”

Miranda scampered through the woods towards the path.  She stopped and turned to watch Thatcher.  The joy on his face at the thought of seeing her made her heart race.

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Tuesday Tales – Smooth

Hello again and welcome to another Tuesday Tales!  This week’s word prompt is “smooth”.  We are back with Thatcher and Miranda in The Thirteenth Knight.  Miranda is looking for more clues to assist Thatcher.  Will Brunon find her?  Let’s find out…

And don’t forget to check out the other blogs of my incredible talented friends of Tuesday Tales!!

A couple days felt like an eternity.  Miranda shuffled down the hall escorted by two of Brunon’s men as she returned to her bedchamber.  It was another disastrous breakfast.  She was unsure where her betrothed and his men learned their dining manners.  She was sure the swine in the village she grew up behaved better at the breakfast table than they did.

She closed her bedchamber door and took her seat at the window.  She waited silently, reading the book she had snuck from the palace library, until she no longer heard sound outside her door.  Brunon’s men never had the patience to stand guard.  What harm could such a little woman do?

If they only knew.

She dug in the back of her wardrobe for her quilt and tugged on each piece of the courtier’s uniform.  She winced.  If didn’t smell wonderful when the courtier gave it to her.  It’s scent was getting worse.  She would have to find a way to wash it before too long.

Miranda opened her door and glanced both ways before stepping out.  Her footsteps were light as she pressed flush against the smooth, cold stone walls, attempting to make herself invisible as she made her way to the knights’ quarters.  She slipped inside Thatcher’s bedchamber.

New maps were pinned to the wall.  The lavender crystals continued to cast an eerie glow.  Miranda scanned the maps carefully.  She tore them off the wall and tucked them in her jacket.  She spun towards the door then stopped.

She frowned puzzled as she stared at the purple crystals, stepping closer to get study them.  Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the black shadows flicker in the smooth stones.  She stared for several moments, struggling to figure out what they were.  The only thing she could surmise – the shadows looked somewhat human.

Miranda tiptoed out of the room then raced down the hall.  She stopped in the throne room before the roaring fire in the fireplace.  A sly smile spread across her lips as she pulled free the maps and tossed them into the flames.  She jumped as she heard a voice behind her.

“What do you think you are doing?” Brunon demanded.

Miranda fell to her knee as she hid her face in her cloak.  “My lord, I have come to report.  I have seen King Thaddeus and his men with my own eyes.  They were heading to the northern lands to regroup and plan an attack.  They intend to recruit villagers there to fight with them.”

She kept her eyes to the floor as the room fell silent.  Brunon’s voice cut through the tension.  “What are you doing at the fire?”

“Warming myself, my lord.  The trip has been cold.”

“What is your name, boy?”

“My name is Ewen.  I am please to serve you, my liege.”

Miranda felt a hand on her shoulder.  “Rise, Ewen.  The northern lands you said?”

Miranda stood, keeping her cloak over her face.  “Yes, my lord.”

Brunon snapped his fingers at his men.  “Prepare to ride.  Travel north.  Destroy them.”

The men bowed in reply and stormed from the room.  Brunon clapped Miranda on the shoulder.  “Good work, Ewen.  With loyalty such as yours, you may serve as one of my men soon.”

“Thank you, sire.  I look forward to the day.”

Miranda suppressed a giggle as she watched as Brunon swept from the room.  Now that Brunon’s men were heading north, she would head south.  And before long she would be with her Thatcher again.  Even though he does not know it is me.

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Tuesday Tales – Bargain

Hi everyone and welcome to Tuesday Tales!  Today’s word prompt is “bargain”.  We are back with Miranda and Thatcher in The Thirteenth Knight.  Last week Miranda, dressed as Ewen the courtier, was caught by Sir William as she ventured through the forest.  Will she get free?  

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Miranda swallowed hard.  Her voice trembled as she spoke.  “Sir William, it is I.  Ewen, the courtier, from the palace.”

William frowned at her as his grip loosened.  “Aye.  The lad who set us free.  What are you doing in these woods, Ewen?  It is dangerous.  And how did you find us in the first place?”

Miranda still couldn’t hide the tremor in her voice.  “I was searching the palace.  I found Brunon’s maps.  They led me to you.”

 She heard William curse beneath his breath.  The tall, strong knight let her go and cocked his head further into the woods.  “Come, Ewen.  You need to tell Thatcher what you found.”

 “Yes, my lord.”

 Miranda followed William deeper into the thick, dark forest.  At the moment that the branches above completely cut out the light of day she could see the glimmer of a bonfire ahead.  William held back a bramble of wild thorns for her to pass through.

 Thatcher looked up from the document he was studying with Thaddeus as the two of them stepped into the campsite.  Miranda’s heart thundered in her chest at the sight of him.  Her knees buckled.  His sapphire blue eyes made every nerve in her body purr.  She bit her lower lip wishing for just one kiss.  William’s voice disrupted her thoughts.

 “Thatcher, Ewen has brought news from the palace,” he announced.

 “Miranda?” he demanded.  She could hear the desperation in his voice.  He misses me.  It took every ounce of self control not to throw her arms around him.

 “No, my lord,” Miranda fought out.  “I have maps.  They led me here.”

 Thatcher crossed around the fire to her.  He held out his hand silently for the maps.  She pulled them free from her jacket and laid them in his hands.  He unrolled them and studied them, muttering a string of curses beneath his breath just as William did.

 “We are not safe, Thatcher.  Brunon can find us,” William warned.

 Thatcher stood over Miranda, dwarfing her small frame with his large, muscular one.  “Where did you find these, Ewen?

“It the knight’s wing of the palace.  Brunon has turned your bedchamber into a war room, Sir Thatcher.”

 “Was there anything else there?  Anything of importance?”

 “There were several purple crystals pulsating with light.  I don’t know what they are for.”

 She noticed his stature soften.  “And Lady Miranda?  Is she safe?”

 Miranda smiled.  “Yes, my lord.  She has hidden herself away from Brunon and only sees him when he demands her presence at meal time.”

 A look of relief flooded Thatcher’s face.  “Ewen, you need to make me this bargain.  Destroy any of these maps you find in my bedchamber.  Brunon cannot know where we are.  Study them beforehand so you know where to find us.  Report to us several times a week.  Find out what those crystals do.  And tell Miranda that I love her and please, please protect her.  Make me this bargain and I promise you we will end Brunon.”

Miranda’s heart was light at his confession of love.  She could barely speak.  “Aye.  I promise.  And I feel safe to tell you that she loves you too.  She misses you greatly.”

Thatcher’s smile shone brighter than the bonfire.  “Good.  Now go before night falls.  It is your only chance to get out of these woods safely.  Go.”

 Miranda stood rooted in her place for a moment staring at him, etching him into her memory.  Then she turned and stepped between the large trunks of the trees into the darkness of the forest.

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Tuesday Tales – Rural Road Picture Prompt

It’s time for another Tuesday Tales!  This week we are working with a picture prompt.  I’ve chosen the one below.  This week we are again with Thatcher and Miranda in The Thirteenth Knight.  Don’t forget to stop by and check out the excerpts from my very talented friends at Tuesday Tales!!

Miranda ran along the dirt road, the map firmly clenched in her fist.  The old, weathered wood fence bordering the road led the way to the forest.  She stopped breathless for a moment as she gazed into the clear blue sky.  It reminded her of Thatcher’s eyes.  The afternoon sun was descending into the horizon far quicker than she hoped.  She sighed disappointed.  She would have to make her visit to the camp brief so she could back to the palace before nightfall.  She might be dressed as a man but she would be no match if she were attacked by bandits.

She unrolled the map and studied it.  She glanced up at the road to get her bearings then her eyes descended back to the map.  She hoped against hope that the map was wrong, that the king and his knights were not camped where the parchment indicated.  She rolled it back up and continued her jog down the road.

Miranda slipped between two broken rails in the wood fence into the thick, dark wood where the map indicated.  Her heart thundered in terror.  These were the types of woods that the men of her village had frightened her with when they told their tales.  She startled at the hoot of an owl, at the rustle of an animal in the brush.  Miranda swallowed back the lump forming in her throat, steeled her courage and trudged on through the forest.

She screamed as a vice wrapped tightly around her bicep.  Whatever it was that took her captive spun her around.  Her breath locked in her throat as she touched noses with Sir William, one of Thaddeus’s knights.  His eyes bored into hers with a murderous heat.

“What business do you have in these woods?” he demanded.

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Tuesday Tales – Court

Welcome again to another Tuesday Tales!  This week’s word prompt is “court”.  We are visiting Miranda and Thatcher again in The Thirteenth Knight.  Be sure to stop by the blogs of my talented friends of Tuesday Tales and see their take of the work “court”!

Miranda slipped through the corridors of the palace, desperately searching in each door and chamber she came to.  She whimpered as each quest came up empty.  She stomped her foot stubbornly.  She refused to give up hope.

She pressed herself against the wall as she approached the throne room.  The bodies of the dead guards had been removed and the blood spilt cleaned.  Now Brunon held mock court with his men and the lords that foolishly aligned themselves to him.  She scowled.  When Thaddeus took the throne again she would make sure those traitors were rightly punished.

She snuck past the throne room and continued down a corridor she had never ventured.  She stopped for a moment.  This corridor led to the bedchambers of Thaddeus’s thirteen knights.  While her uncle had been on the throne it would have been indecent for her to venture here.  Now that Brunon was in power, if it would save the kingdom she did not care what anyone thought.

She glanced from one room to the other finding still nothing.  Her eyes spied the final room at the end of the hall.  Even by the outside it was far smaller than the others.  She tiptoed to the doorway and stepped inside.

Her breath escaped her as she surveyed the room.  She wasn’t sure what amazed her more.  Amongst the meager furnishings she saw tokens of home, tokens that were dear to her.  To Thatcher.  She instinctively grasped a nearby linen shirt and buried her face in it to breathe in the smell of him.  Oh yes.  This was Thatcher’s room.

However, the tokens of home weren’t the only items in the room.  There were also maps of the surrounding area hammered into the wall with nails.  Each map was marked carefully with the location of Thaddeus and his knights’ encampments.  In the corner of the room next to the head of Thatcher’s bed was a large lavender crystal pulsing and glowing in an unnatural light.  Scattered throught the rest of the abode were smaller versions of the crystal also glowing and pulsing as the mother rock.  Miranda had no idea what dark magic the crystals produced.  If it took her last breath she would find out.

Miranda carefully inspected the maps on the wall for the most recently noted parchment and smiled.  She pried it from the wall, rolled it up and stuffed it inside the courtier’s embroidered coat she wore.  She then tucked Thatcher’s shirt alongside it.  She steeled her courage as she thought of the least guarded way out of the palace.  She spied outside the door for anyone approaching.  She silently ran down the corridor for the nearest door to the courtyard to make her escape.

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Tuesday Tales – Long

Hello and welcome to another Tuesday Tales! This week’s word prompt is “long”. We are with Thatcher and Miranda in The Thirteenth Knight. Please don’t forget to check out the excerpts from the other talented authors of Tuesday Tales!!

Bootsteps echoed through the long hallway as Brunon’s soldiers escorted Miranda to her bedchamber. After what she had just witnessed, she knew she would have nightmares for weeks.

Brunon summoned all the members of the palace to the throne room. The four dungeon guards that watched over Thaddeus and his knights were shackled together. They knelt on the floor, unable to stand from the beating they had already been given.

Once every member of the house had assembled, Brunon began his interrogation. He tortured the four men slowly as he demanded to know why they set free his prisoners. The men pleaded their innocence in strained, weak voices. They told him over and over it was not them. Someone small, possibly a child, overpowered them and sent them to sleep. They remained resolute until their very last breath, until the last man fell into the puddle of their collected blood.

Miranda shuddered. It was not only the scene that horrified her. It was the joy that beamed from Brunon’s face as he murdered his guards that sickened her. Brunon had no sense of mercy in his heart. She needed to find the source of his invincible army and quick. She needed her valiant Knight.

Once the men were dead, Brunon turned his fury on the rest of the palace. He declared to them all he would find whoever aided these traitors and those found would suffer the same fate. Several servants he dismissed quickly. They were too old, too young or too frail to accomplish such at feat. He stopped far too long at Miranda, studying her before he spoke.

“What about you, Lady Miranda? Were you part of this plot? It was your lover who was freed, was it not?” he demanded.

Miranda gathered all her courage and stared deep into his gray eyes. “Me, Count Brunon? I am but a woman. How could I overpower such large men? And I am under constant guard. How could I aid them?”

Brunon growled at her response then dismissed all who remained. Miranda wasted no time fleeing the throne room and the horrific sight.

She sat at the edge of her bed and slowly brushed her long, brown hair as she listened for noise outside her door. Once she heard silence she dashed to her wardrobe and pulled free the quilt. Quickly she changed from her gown back to the courtier clothes she had been given.

There was no time to waste. It was time for Ewen to find some answers. And maybe, if the answers were worthwhile, to risk delivering them to Sir Thatcher. Herself.

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