We’re so happy to be apart of the WIP It Up Blog Hop. Over at the WIP It Up Wednesday Blog, myself and the other authors get to share with you bits and pieces of their works in progress. We can’t wait to see what everyone has been writing as I know I’ve been busy writing, writing and writing. Liars and Tigers are Bared-Oh My! was recently released which puts King Dom Comes next in line for publishing (crossing for this week). I’ve previously shared a snippet introducing Shannon but lets delve a little deeper into the story.
King Dom Comes
Unbeknownst to the tiny village in Ireland, Shannon McCleary has a special gift – one that most people do not want to see. She is a Banshee, a caller of death. At the age of eight, she finds herself in a convent run by the Sisterhood of Truth – druids who specialize in the magical arts. The sisters have been commissioned by her surrogate father, King Malkai, to train her to control her gifts and raise her to be the future Queen of Moldavia – by wedding his son, Domitri.
After the king tragically passes away, his son sets out on a journey with his devoted men-at-arms to retrieve his betrothed. Unbeknownst to Shannon, Dom also has a gift: persuasion – through both magic, and the palm of his hand. Shannon’s Irish temper and independent nature, coupled with the rebellious and uncontrolled banshee spirit, are no match for her future husband, and she soon finds herself over his knee and bared for several sessions of his own version of royal disciplinary action.
Persuasion also works in Shannon’s favor as her body is introduced to pleasure – and some very unusual surprises; including an evening with Mistress Aida; a seductress with a gift of her own. From this best selling multi-genre number 1 author comes a unique and original medieval adventure that no one in the year 1350 saw coming!
Shannon’s legs wobbled as she stood upon the wooden dock belonging to the Danish seaboard. In her arms was a bundle that had been unceremoniously handed to her by one of the kings’ men along with an order to refresh herself in an inn named the Golden Herring. She wrinkled her nose at the smell of fish, dead barnacles at low tide, and insect-ridden seaweed that promised to raise a stench once the sun began to rise.
“Is the aroma of the docks not to your liking, Mistress?”
Shannon turned to look at the ever-present Dom, now barefoot and bare-chested, and still wearing snug breeches that hugged his muscular thighs. She swallowed dryly, trying not to stare at his sculptured torso. “You again? Don’t you have a ship to raid? I thought you would be leaving once we landed.”
“What gave you that impression? I intend to accompany you to your destination.”
“I doubt that my husband-to-be will appreciate a non-appointed escort, especially a peasant pirate. Thank you, but you must be on your way.”
“Your husband-to-be is a wise man and benevolent ruler. He will appreciate my attentiveness. It was I who helped to keep your stomach intact this last week, is that not correct? You still have lost weight,” He observed, holding her chin firmly in his hand, “I will make certain you are given food as you refresh yourself.”
Shannon pulled her chin from his grip. “Yes, you helped me greatly and ceased not to remind me of the fact on a daily basis. I am also very capable of ordering food for myself should I be hungry. As for the disposition of my future husband, I know him not. But I did know, and honor, his father, hence, I will not bring shame to his memory by shaming his son. I protect you by behaving appropriate in the eyes of the people.”
“Protect me? How would you accomplish that task?” Dom looked down upon her with amusement.
“While you call the new king wise and benevolent, I have heard him to be a vicious, heartless and cruel. Should he be that way, then he might have you killed for your over-concern of my plight. I will not have your blood upon my hands.”
“Are you saying you are concerned for my life?” Dom’s eye crinkled.
“It matters not,” Shannon’s voice was firm as she stared unblinking into his dirt-smudged face that harbored a rough new beard. “You shall not be coming. While I appreciate your assistance while on the ship, it is time for us to part our ways. I beg your pardon, but I need to remove the stench of fish from my flesh.”
“Hurry. We are to leave in two hours.”
Shannon turned on her heel and headed towards the inn, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel his eyes upon her back. Eyes that seemed to swallow her whole every time she looked into them. Eyes that had power and strength hiding behind the dark orbs framed in thick, black lashes and set evenly over a strong, masculine nose. She shook off the gaze from her back and heaved her shoulder against the heavy wood door of the inn.
“Mistress McCleary? I am Marta.” The young woman made a quick bow before her. “I was instructed by His Majesty to assist you in dressing.”
“I can dress myself, thank you.”
The woman looked uncomfortable. “Mistress, I cannot disobey. If I do…”
“Did he threaten you?” Shannon’s eyes narrowed.
“Threaten? He ordered. We obey.”
“I do not obey any man blindly. When I meet this king, he will hear of my displeasure.”
“You have not met His Grace? How can that be?” The woman looked confused.
“Mine is an arranged marriage, Marta. I will not see him until I arrive at his home.”