The Laird's Future Bride
Page 16
Marquaylla Lorette – Website: http://authormarquayllalorette.webs.com/
Nancy Lommel – Website: http://nancylommel.webs.com/
RA Baker – Website: http://rabaker.webs.com/
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Selena Cross – Website: http://selenacross.webs.com/
Shelby Lynn – Website: http://shelbylynnauthor.webs.com/
Taren Baker – Website: http://tarenbaker.webs.com/
Willow Brooke – Website: http://willowbrooke.weebly.com/
Zach Collins – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.collins.980967?fref=ts
MCJ Warriors– Websites or Facebook: Youth and Christian Division of JK:
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Carlene Laye - Website: http://carlenelayechristianauthor.weebly.com (Christian Romance)
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Kiz Jones - Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtlantisVoyagerSeries?fref=ts (Youth)
Leigh Brock – Website: http://www.leighbrock.webs.com/ (Youth)
TB Smith – Website: http://tbsmithauthor.webs.com/ (Youth)
Excerpt from the Tyrant's Keep
By Nancy Lommel
Lord Foley soothed her and stroked her hair. Then they feasted, remaining in the close confines of the solar, where they could dine at ease. During the meal, Foley turned to Oberon, “Will you stay a day, My Lord, or must you leave on the morrow?”
“We can stay a day,” he responded. “I shall send a messenger to the queen to let her know we shall be detained here. Hopefully her anger at me will not be too great for delaying her reunion with the princess.”
Ariyona was glad. She was tired of traveling and just wanted to rest. Crystal Castle was a second home to her and she finally felt safe after her long hardship. She slept long and deep that night though Jareth still haunted her dreams. Was she never to be rid of his piercing eyes?
The next day was spent at ease. Ariyona was surrounded by people whom she loved and who loved her in return. She tried to keep all thoughts of Jareth at bay yet there was a disturbing longing within her heart. The day was over all too soon and in the morning they prepared to depart. Before they left, Lord Foley approached carrying an object wrapped in cloth.
“My little one,” he began as he handed Ariyona the object. “I want you to have this. I know it has always been your favorite piece. Think of me when this you see.”
Ariyona unwrapped the crystal figure. It was a dragon with thin beautiful wings. The crystal was purple and the wings shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow in the sunlight. As a child, Ariyona had always absconded with this piece and sat outside for hours admiring it. This was one dragon that did not haunt her. It was one that brought her soothing dreams and now her grandfather was giving it to her. Ariyona was too overcome for words. She hugged Lord Foley as tears fell from her eyes. Oberon rewrapped the crystal dragon and had it added to their luggage. Then, at long last, they set off.
Ariyona was tired of being confined within the carriage. She asked one of the men to ride in the carriage and loan her his horse. He complied at once. Ariyona rode the day beside Brookes who asked her unceasingly if she was truly unharmed. He did not trust Jareth and Ariyona could see his hatred of the king upon his face. Ariyona assured him she was fine and changed the subject. Jareth was one thing she definitely did not want to think upon.
Late afternoon found them at a manor belonging to Brookes’s parents, Lord and Lady Salvoy. The lord and lady came out of their keep and bowed to the king and princess. Then Lady Salvoy gave a hug to Brookes.
“My son, you have been too long from home. I am pleased that you have honored us with a visit.”
They feasted long into the night, knowing that they were but a day away from their own castle. Ariyona was fussed over by Lady Salvoy and her daughters, as well as the serving girls. Everyone did all they could to make sure Ariyona was not lacking for anything. Ariyona was glad when they finally went to bed. Her head was full of mead and music. She had danced until she nearly dropped from exhaustion. It seemed as if every time she was ready to sit down Brookes was there to lead her into another dance.
She dropped off to sleep as soon as she hit the pillows, but it was not a peaceful sleep. Jareth haunted her in her dreams. He kept saying that she belonged to him and that she would never escape. She woke up sweating. Dawn was breaking and she had escaped her dreams once more. She got up, poured herself some mead, and chased away the remnants of her dream. She was glad when they set off for home, though Lady Salvoy begged Brookes to stay. He told her he could not, that he was in service to the king, and swore to see the princess safely returned to home. Home! Ariyona was glad for that word and was smiling as they rode out the gates of the keep, once more taking to the road that led to the castle and her mother.
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