Royal Promenade
Page 31
The king’s eyebrows rose. “Oh?”
“I can’t restore my brother’s magic, but if I understand the enchantment, there’s someone who can. If Zachary Blackmon transfers his magic to Blade, I would raise no objection to his parole.”
King Justin glanced at Helene. “Is that even possible?”
“Why, yes, it’s possible.” She frowned. “Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that Blade’s magic would be restored. The only way to know for sure is to try.”
∞∞∞
Two Weeks Later
As Kellan and Alice waited in a Pomparriage outside Briarwood City Prison, she reached over to caress his cheek. “I know how much it must have cost you to agree to Zachary Blackmon’s parole.”
He pressed a kiss against the palm of her hand. “I don’t know if I deserve any credit, really. If being stripped of magic affects Zachary as much as it did Blade, the man’s parole may end up being worse punishment than a lifetime in prison.”
She leaned into him. “You can say that, but I know you’re desperate to help your brother.” Alice caught a glimpse of Blade as he emerged from the building. “There he is.”
“He’s not smiling.” Kellan grimaced. “It didn’t work.”
“Oh, no.” Alice’s heart sank. “This is dreadful.”
Blade climbed into the Pomparriage and settled into a seat. “Sorry to keep you waiting so long. My father had some forms to sign before he performed the spell.”
Alice held her breath. “Well?”
Blade shuddered. “He’s going to be in the prison infirmary for a while. I imagine he won’t be released for another week.”
She made a sound of frustration. “Come on, Blade! Can you perform any magic?”
“Hmm. Let’s see.” He reached into his jacket and produced a long-stemmed white rose. “This is for you.”
Alice pummeled him. “How could you scare me like that?”
Blade slid Kellan a droll glance. “Did you know Alessandra was frightened of white roses?”
Kellan stifled a smile. “I had no idea.”
Alice snatched the flower from his hand. “You’re as wicked as ever, Blade Blackmon.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “I should hope so.”
“Blade, I’m going out drinking with Paddy, Dewar, and Gus tonight.” Kellan grinned. “If you want to come along, I’m buying.”
“Sorry. I have a date tonight.”
“A date?” Alice cocked her head. “Which lady caught your eye?”
“Er…Miss Pratt.” A slow smile spread across Blade’s features. “She has a way with dogs so I figure I might have half a chance.”
Alice and Kellan burst into laughter.
The End
A Personal Request
I love to write, but I can’t do it without you. If you enjoyed Royal Promenade, would you consider leaving a review? Not only would I like to hear your thoughts, but also your review is very helpful to other readers. Thank you in advance!
Suzanne G. Rogers
Sneak Peek
Tournament of Chance: Dragon Rebel
If Heather wins the Tournament of Chance, she'll be the first commoner to earn a place at court. Instead of a glorious victory, however, she's arrested and marked for execution. After a daring escape, she joins the Dragon Rebels, who seek to overthrow the despotic monarchy and restore the former kingdom of Ormaria. Amongst the rebels are three shape-shifting wizards who claim to be rulers from the past. On a perilous quest to free the wizards' magic, Heather battles wild dragons, vicious predators, angry trolls, and unexpected traitors. When a horrendous accident sends her back in time to fulfill a mysterious prophecy, she must rely on her warrior skills, wits, and endurance to survive.
Read on for a sneak peek…
Excerpt from Tournament of Chance: Dragon Rebel
The prince spoke little, and eventually Manny noticed the troubled expression on his cousin’s face. “Are you perfectly well, Dane? You look as if you have a nagging ache somewhere.”
“It’s that girl. I’ve been trying to be cordial but nothing I say pleases her. I even offered to give her a title, and she turned me down.”
“That’s odd. Receiving a title is an honor.”
“Exactly. I explained that a title would assist her in finding an Ormarian husband once the kingdom is restored, and she practically accused me of trying to auction her off to the highest bidder.”
Manny chuckled and shook his head. “I’m hardly a ladies’ man, Dane, but you’re far clumsier than I would have given you credit for.”
“What did I say?”
“You as much as told her that you find her unattractive.”
“I did no such thing,” Dane said, indignant. “And I don’t, in point of fact.”
Manny made an exasperated noise. “You’re a good-looking fellow, as much as it pains me to admit it. No woman wishes to hear you say she’d make a nice wife for someone else.”
“Heather has no interest in me, nor I in her,” Dane sputtered. “You’re quite mistaken.”
“Really? If that’s true, why was she insulted?”
“Apparently she has an unfortunate tendency toward peevishness.”
“If so, it’s a tendency that emerges only around you, Cousin.”
“No, I’m sure you’re wrong.”
“Then you don’t mind if I borrow your razor?”
“Whatever for?”
“I just might shave off my beard.” Manny stroked his chin. “I’d like to put my best foot forward as far as she’s concerned—unless you object.”
“You’re joking.”
“Not at all. Heather is very pretty, exceptionally brave, and quite amiable. I’m not near as handsome as you are, but I’ve been told I can make a girl laugh. Some girls prefer a man with a sense of humor.”
Dane scowled. “That’s an empty threat, Manny.”
His cousin roared with laughter. “So I’m a threat now, am I? I’ll take that as an objection, then. You don’t know your own mind, Dane.”
Tournament of Chance: Dragon Rebel is available wherever e-books are sold. The paperback version is available at Amazon.
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About the Author
Originally from Southern California, Suzanne G. Rogers currently resides in beautiful Savannah, Georgia on an island populated by exotic birds, deer, turtles, otters, and gators. Tab is her beverage of choice, but a cranberry vodka martini doesn’t go amiss.
Fantasy Titles
by Suzanne G. Rogers
Standalone Titles
Something Wicked in L.A.
The Dragon Rider’s Daughter*
Clash of Wills
Dani & the Immortals
Magical Misperception
Tournament of Chance: Dragon Rebel
Whimsical Tendencies*
Royal Promenade
The Yden Series
The Last Great Wizard of Yden (Book One)
Dragon Clan of Yden (Book Two)
Secrets of Yden (Book Three)
Kira (Prequel to the Yden Trilogy)
Historical Romance Titles
The Love Letters Series
A Gift for Lara (Book One)
A Gift for Fiona (Book Two)
Graceling Hall Series
Larken (Book One)*
Lord Apollo & the Colleen (Book Two)
The Beaucroft Girls Series
Ruse & Romance (Book One)*
Rake & Romance (Book Two)*
The Mannequin Series
The Mannequin (Book One)*
Grace Unmasked (Book Two)
The Star-Cr
ossed Seamstress (Book Three)
A Chance of Rayne (Book Four)
Standalone Titles
Spinster*
Lady Fallows’ Secrets
My Fair Guardian
Jessamine’s Folly*
Duke of a Gilded Age
The Ice Captain’s Daughter*
An American in Paris of the West
Rumer Has It
*Available in audiobook format