Sunday Spotlight - Marie Medina and Claimed by His Beta

Welcome Marie Medina back to Sunday Spotlight! She's sharing her new release, Claimed by His Beta (Wolves in the Fae Court, Book 2)

And great news -- you can grab book 1 for FREE to check out the series!

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Luke accompanied his Alpha to the fae court to do his job, nothing more. Since his mate’s death, he’s been fine with a few nights of solace here and there. He’s never needed anything more than that.

But his gaze keeps drifting to one fae in particular—Dane, the best friend of his Alpha’s newly found mate. When he finds out a human hurt Dane years ago, his protective instincts rise and refuse to be calmed. Protective feelings soon turn possessive as he learns more about the beautiful fae. Dane’s more than willing to come to his bed, but Luke wants more than that. Far, far more.

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Luke fought the desire to leave his Alpha’s side as they strolled through the silk-clad crowd with the king. He’d been brought to the fae court to do a job for Gregor, not to find someone to warm his bed. He frowned as he thought about just how cold his bed had been recently, how big and empty it had felt since his mate Sabina’s death two years ago. He glanced to Gregor once more. He’s right. Sabina would be sad, maybe even angry, to see me alone the rest of my life.

His gaze roamed the courtyard and found Dane again. The beautiful blond fae drew him like no other had since Sabina, even though they hadn’t even spoken to each other yet. It made Luke wonder if, this time, he might find more than a single night of comfort with someone. Luke cast his eyes down when Dane looked up. He’d already been caught staring more than once, and by more than one person.

He’s Jared’s best friend. Once Gregor and Jared are mated, Dane will be around all the time. I won’t be able to hide my attraction to him. I can’t even hide it now. He looked over to Dane yet again. He’s so beautiful. He must have admirers, even if he is shy, as the king said.

Luke cut his gaze over when Gregor cleared his throat. “Yes, my Alpha?” he asked.

“You said you wish to speak for yourself instead of letting others play matchmaker. Go do it. That’s an order,” Gregor said, pointing over to Dane.

“You don’t require my services for a while?” Luke asked.

Gregor rolled his eyes. “Stop talking like that. You’ve been doing it ever since we arrived. If I wanted to hear someone talk as if he’s from another century, I’d have brought Vadik instead.”

Luke smiled a moment, wondering what the fae here would think of the large, brutish Beta who was always armed and patrolled their pack lands like a warrior from another time. “I have a duty, best performed at your side, just as Vadik is doing his duty best by watching over our pack,” Luke said. “And we’re in a royal court. I’m trying to act appropriately.”

“Yes, you do have a duty. Obeying me.” Gregor stepped closer. “March over there and introduce yourself. As my mate’s closest friend, Dane will be an honored guest of ours. Often, I would think.” The Alpha smiled. “You two should be well acquainted.”

Luke turned slightly toward King Asmund, who was making a point of looking the other way and pretending not to hear them. So alert to everything around him yet so polite. Not sure our pack is ready for the cunning subtlety of the fae just yet. But he shook that thought off and nodded. “Whatever my Alpha wishes,” Luke said, earning another eye roll from Gregor.

Luke’s heart beat faster as he made his way through the crowd that had gathered to watch The Hunt, an old fae ritual that had been resurrected to commemorate Gregor and Jared’s mating. Luke still didn’t completely understand the game Gregor and Jared were playing with each other, but at least it would be over soon.

When Luke was only a few feet away from Dane, the blond man turned toward him, a faint smile on his face as he leaned against the palace wall. The exterior of the palace consisted of sparkling gray stones, with blue slate on the roof. Purple vines unlike any Luke had ever seen before twined all over the building, and they seemed to sparkle at times as well. The beautiful backdrop only made Dane even more attractive. Luke’s throat constricted as he closed the distance between them. “Dane?” he said quietly, feeling as if the noise of the crowd was already fading away as he approached the spot where Dane stood alone.

“Yes,” Dane said as he pushed away from the wall.

“I’m Luke, Gregor’s Beta.”

Dane smiled, his green eyes so bright they seemed to almost glow. “I know. I’ve seen you patrolling.”

Luke struggled for words, settling on saying, “Gregor and the king thought we should meet.”

“Because I’m close to Jared?”

“Yes, but—” Luke took a step forward, “I wanted to introduce myself anyway.”

Dane’s cheeks went a little pink. “You’ve caught me staring?” he said, with a little laugh.

“Just as you’ve caught me staring, if I’m not mistaken.” Luke moved forward one more step. “The king says you’re a scholar. You’ve been researching us since the negotiations started.”

“His Majesty called me a scholar?” Dane said, a broad smile coming to his face.

“He did. Said you’re an excellent scholar. That you two discuss history and other things some nights.”

“His Majesty has always taken an interest in me. We’re alike in our interests, plus I befriended Jared when other children our age were still a little wary of him because of his shifter blood. The king is a very good man. We couldn’t have a more loving monarch.”

“It certainly sounds like you love him.”

Dane looked up. “Yes, but not like that. He’s like a big brother or uncle, in a way.” His eyes took on a faraway look as he said, “He even saved my life once.” His expression cleared as he smiled, but the curve of his lips seemed forced this time.

“He did?” Luke thought back to what the king had said about Dane being attacked by a human, and his wolf growled deep inside. He wanted to ask questions, but he couldn’t be sure how Dane would feel about the king having revealed that information. Above all else, he didn’t want to scare Dane off.

Dane nodded. “Yes.” He gave a little shrug. “I was young and careless. Got into some trouble in the human world.”

“Humans cause a lot of trouble,” Luke said. And I’d like to cause trouble for the man who hurt you, even if the king insists he took care of the swine.

“At least you can walk among them without drawing too much attention,” Dane said. He pushed his hair behind one of his delicate pointed ears, the one outward sign he wasn’t an ordinary man. “I’m very good at glamouring them, but I still stand out in the human world.”

“Most humans have never seen anyone as beautiful as you are,” Luke said, reaching out and running two fingers over Dane’s jaw.

Dane drew in a deep breath but didn’t step back, though his eyes flicked down.

Luke let his hand drop. “I’m being too forward.”

“No, you aren’t,” Dane said, coming closer. He had to tilt his head back because Luke towered over him. “I’m … not used to getting much attention.”

“That surprises me.” Luke turned to look around at the other fae gathered in the courtyard. “Everyone here is attractive, but in my opinion, you surpass all of them.”

Dane’s gaze wandered over him. “Everyone is talking about you and your Alpha. How handsome and strong you are. Even the tallest and most muscular among us don’t compare to you two.”

“We’re different. That’s the appeal. Back among my pack, I blend into the background quite easily.”

Dane frowned a bit. “You seem different from Gregor. Gentler and more thoughtful.”

“Gentler? More reserved, perhaps.”

The other man studied his face a long time. Luke wanted to bridge the distance between them and brush their lips together, but he sensed that wasn’t why Dane was staring at him. “You seem sad.”

“Do I?” Luke said, taken aback.

“Yes,” Dane said, nodding slowly.

“Perhaps I am a little sad right now.” He nodded toward Gregor, who stood talking with the king and two other fae. “I’m happy Gregor has found his mate, but … it does make me sad because my own mate is dead.”

Dane’s eyes widened. “I’m so sorry. What happened to him?”

“Her, actually. Her name was Sabina. We found each other a little less than three years ago. We had ten months together, and then she died.” He swallowed and took a fortifying breath. “Cancer. Wolves are strong, but many human diseases still kill us.”

Dane reached for Luke’s hand, his eyes glistening. “I’m very sorry. I can’t imagine what it’s like, given all I’ve read about the power of the bond.”

“I wasn’t exactly myself for months. Gregor was a good friend to me in those days when I snapped and snarled at everyone and everything.”

“You must have loved her very much.” A tear spilled down each of Dane’s cheeks.

“I did. But I didn’t mean to come over here and make you sad.” He squeezed Dane’s hand in his and reached his other hand up to wipe at one of the tears.

Dane drew back and wiped at his cheeks. “Sorry.”

“Sorry? For what?”

“If I hadn’t said anything about you looking sad, you wouldn’t have been forced to think about it.”

He shook his head slowly. “I think about it almost every day. You did nothing wrong.” He took Dane’s hand again. “I’m sorry I brought up something so serious when we’re supposed to be celebrating.”

Dane looked around at all the other fae drinking wine and eating, talking and laughing. “They all think this was planned for their amusement. A throwback to celebrate the alliance between wolves and the fae.”

“Gregor and I were discussing that. How no one else knows that Jared really was resisting the mating. That he and Gregor are … you know, I don’t even understand it.”

“Jared’s being stubborn. He’s fallen for Gregor completely, but he’s trying to prove a point because Gregor made decisions without talking to him first. I think he’s glad Gregor read about The Hunt and decided to invoke it. He wants to yield to the Alpha, but he’s struggling with that first step.”

“Wants to submit without being seen as submissive?”

Dane nodded.

“They’ll both be happier once this is settled. He’ll soon realize that he’s going to be the one really wielding the power in their relationship.”

“How is Gregor? Is it harder to be denied because he’s an Alpha?”

Luke laughed. “To hear him tell it, yes, it’s much harder to be denied. He’s maintaining appearances well enough, but I can feel his longing when I’m near him. His wolf is going crazy because they haven’t claimed Jared yet.”

Dane looked to the forest. “I’m sure Jared won’t go far into the woods. Won’t make him work too hard.”

“It’s the perfect way to claim him. Very primal.”

Dane’s brows came together. “It’s a little confusing, the way shifters refer to their other half. Is your wolf truly like a separate being, or a part of yourself? You said they just now, talking about Gregor claiming Jared.”

“That’s very hard to explain to a non-shifter, but I can try.” He leaned against the wall, pleased when Dane came to lean beside him. He looked down into the beautiful man’s eyes and said, “I definitely feel as if my wolf is an independent being. Yet he’s a part of me. He’s with me now, listening to everything and watching you. Communicating with me. And when I’m shifted, I’m there inside of him doing the same thing. Neither of us ever fully retreats or gives over control completely. We are different in many ways. Think differently. Even disagree and argue with each other.”

“Did your wolf want to meet me as much as you did?” Dane asked.

Luke licked his lips. “My wolf is very interested in you. And likes that you aren’t as shy as I was told.”

Dane looked wary. “Everyone says I’m shy.”

“You don’t think of yourself as shy?”

Dane shook his head. “I’m quiet. It’s not the same.”

Smiling, Luke turned toward Dane. “Perhaps others say you’re shy because they want to know you better. They’re frustrated you’re making them work for it.”

“If I’m worth it, they shouldn’t consider it work.”

“True,” Luke said, anxious to touch Dane and trying to find a way to hold back. “Would you like to see my wolf?”

Dane’s face lit up. “I’d love that. Wolves are beautiful, and I’ve never seen a shifter in animal form before.”

Luke pushed away from the wall and glanced to the crowd. “Where can we go? I don’t really want an audience.”

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Sunday Spotlight - Marie Medina and Caressed by Shadow

Welcome Marie Medina back to Sunday Spotlight! She's sharing a bit from Caressed by Shadow, the third book in her the Veiled Court series.

Bastiel hasn’t left his own realm to visit the Veiled Court since he was a child. But when he learns he’s fated to the youngest prince, Rory, he resolves to make peace with the Fey of the Light, despite the prejudice he knows he might encounter in the Veiled Court.

Rory didn’t expect to be fated to a man, much less to the King of the Dark Fey. Bastiel introduces himself as if there is no question that they are perfectly matched, but Rory can’t accept that. They don’t know each other at all, and their union would throw the order of both their realms into chaos.

Enchanted from his first glimpse of Rory, Bastiel refuses to give up. Rory has no choice but to face his confusion and misgivings head on, and decide if the pull he feels to Bastiel is worth all the risks and uncertainty that come with it.

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Copyright © 2018, Marie Medina

Rory felt a jolt of energy run up his spine. Not a chill so much as a tingle of some kind. The wind picked up, and it seemed as if everyone had gotten quieter. He carefully set a few apples in the basket and glanced around. Everything seemed fine, but he stopped when he saw a man dressed almost entirely in black heading toward him. The man had long black hair that shone in the sun and whipped in the wind. His intense gaze fixed on Rory, and he smiled.

Rory smiled back, even though he had no idea who the man was. Yet as he drew closer, Rory felt his power. He was someone important, and Rory wiped his hands on his trousers as he straightened up and turned toward the man.

“Are you Rory?” the man asked, his voice low and deep.

“Yes.” Rory swallowed, feeling nervous suddenly. “I feel as if I should know you, but I don’t.”

“We’ve never met before, but I’m very pleased to finally do so.” One arm folded over his chest, the man bowed low. “I’m Bastiel, King of the Dark Fey.” He straightened up and came closer. “And you, sweet prince, are my cariad.”

Rory blinked as he looked up at the man who was almost as tall as his oldest brother. As an excuse to put some distance between them, he backed up and imitated the king’s low bow. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”

Bastiel smiled and eliminated the distance Rory had put between them with two long strides. “I know you must be surprised, but please don’t be afraid of me. I know rumors about our realm are rampant here.”

“I’m not af-fraid. Of course n-not,” Rory said, cringing inwardly at the way his voice shook.

Bastiel reached out and cupped his cheek. “You’re as handsome as your older brother, but with a marked difference. A beauty all your own. The way your hair curls. And such rich brown eyes.” His thumb stroked Rory’s cheek. “I think you’ll have me wrapped around your finger in no time.”

Rory couldn’t do anything but stare. His brain refused to move forward, and his tongue didn’t seem to work at all anymore. His breathing had quickened, and he swallowed, trying to get it under control. The king’s hand was warm and strong, and Rory actually thought he could feel the man’s power flowing into him.

Sunday Spotlight - Defying His Fate by Marie Medina

Welcome Marie Medina back to my blog. She's here to promote her new release, Defying His Fate (The Veiled Court, 2)

When Nathaniel is told the identity of his cariad—the person he is supposedly fated to love—he finds himself reliving a pain he’s spent a year fighting. He’d been trying to forget his love for Reese, only to be told by the seers that he’s meant to be with Reese’s sister. Nathaniel had never planned on letting his people’s beliefs dictate who he would love, but his heart makes the situation so unbearable he has no choice but to walk away.

Seeing Nathaniel again awakens a restlessness in Reese that he doesn’t understand. He thought he’d been glad to be rid of the prince, but Reese finds he’s never lost his hunger for the man. When Nathaniel says he wants Reese’s love or nothing at all, Reese has to decide what he actually wants from the prince.

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Nathaniel accepted the drink Alexander offered him. They’d spent an entire day preparing for their father’s trial. Alexander’s twin, Henri, and their younger brother Rory had just left. Nathaniel downed the whiskey in one gulp and leaned his head back on the couch, his gaze wandering over the stones of the ceiling. The trial would be more like a formality, since Grayden’s guilt couldn’t be denied, but Nathaniel had welcomed the distraction.

“Have you seen him since the day he came here?” Alexander asked.

Nathaniel rose to pour himself a second drink. “What?”

Alexander waited until he turned around to say, “Reese. He stormed out of here about a week ago. Ran right into me. He scowled until he saw who I was. Then he apologized and hurried away. Louis told me who he was.”

Nathaniel flopped back down onto the couch. “I’m amazed you waited this long to ask me about him.”

“What he does isn’t really my business. But you are.” Alexander sat forward, holding his drink in both hands. “You look terrible.”

“Of course I do. I made a fool of myself yet again.”

“But things are over between the two of you?”

“That remains to be seen.” Nathaniel looked up at his brother, wanting to tell him yet too ashamed of his own weakness. “I won’t pursue him. I’m done hoping.”

Alexander took a large gulp of his drink. “One of the worst things about being king is that you can’t tell people what you really think of them.”

Nathaniel rubbed his eyes before looking over at his brother. “You can tell me anything. I can take it.”

“Not you. Him. He’s obviously hurt you again.”

“He can only hurt me if I give him that power.”

Alexander actually rolled his eyes. “You believe that?”

“I want to. I’m tired of feeling this way.”

“What happened?”

He treated me like garbage yet I went down on my knees for him anyway. I let him use me and flay my heart open. And yet I want him to come back. “He said he came to settle things. His words. And yet I think the situation is worse than ever. Even less closure than before, if you can believe that. We settled nothing.”

“Perhaps you could go away for a while. Travel. Like you did before all this trouble started.”

“I won’t run away this time. That’s what I was doing before when I stayed in the human world for months at a time.”

“Then what do you mean to do? Simply wait around for him?”

That’s what he asked of me. What choice do I have? “I told him I’d leave him alone.”

“He obviously doesn’t love you, and you deserve better.”

“I know,” Nathaniel said softly. He finished his drink and set the glass down. “I’m going to bed.”

Alexander studied him. “Good night then.” He shifted to lean on the arm of his chair. “But you’ll let me know if you need anything?”

Nathaniel nodded. “Of course. Good night.”

Little could be heard in the halls at this hour. Almost everyone had retired for the evening, just a few maids and pages on duty, checking up on things and preparing for the next day. Nathaniel undressed as soon as he reached his room, but he stopped on the way to his bed. The balcony door was slightly open, and he drew his trousers back on to step outside. He saw no one, but then he walked over to check the trellis. The greenery seemed to have been disturbed, and he bolted back into the room to look around. Silence greeted him, but he still checked everywhere. Nothing. After securing the door, he moved to get into bed and found a note on his pillow.

I came aching to sink my cock into you, but you weren’t here. I suppose I’ll have to find someone else tonight.

Nathaniel wadded the note up, cursing himself because he half wished he had been there. He tossed the paper into the fireplace and waved his fingers, causing the note to go up in flames. “You’re right, brother,” he said softly, thinking of Alexander. “I deserve better. And I’m going to demand it.”

His new resolve eased the ache in his chest.

For a few minutes, at least.

Sunday Spotlight - Marie Medina and His Prince Submits

Welcome Marie Medina to Sunday Spotlight.  She's here to share a bit from His Prince Submits, the first book in her The Veiled Court series.

Alexander, the crown prince of the Fey, is awakened in the middle of the night and summoned to his father’s chambers. He worries his father might be dying, but he soon learns of a very different tragedy. Every man and woman among the Fey has a cariad, another person who will make them complete, according to legend. Alexander finds out within moments not only that his cariad is a man but also that the king banished this helpless young man from the Fey realm ten years ago in a selfish act of prejudice and superstition. Furious and frantic, Alexander sets out to find the man who holds the other half of his heart—and bring him home.

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Chapter One

The Veiled Court (The Realm of the Fey)

Present Day

Alexander jolted awake and grabbed the hand touching his arm. He rolled in bed and saw Edmund, his father’s adviser, leaning over his bed holding a candle.

Alexander relaxed and let go of Edmund’s arm. “What’s happening?” He rubbed his eyes as they adjusted to the dim light.

“Sorry to wake you, Your Highness, but your father wishes to speak with you.” Edmund cleared his throat, frowning. “It can’t wait until morning.”

Jumping out of bed, Alexander grabbed his robe and threw it on as he rushed to the door. “Why? Because it’s that important or because he may not be with us in the morning?” The king had been withdrawn for weeks, but no one was sure if he was actually ill or not.

“It’s that important. It concerns you primarily, though Nathaniel and Rory might find it interesting as well.”

As they moved through the quiet hallways of the palace, Alexander eyed Edmund, who seemed very tense. “But not Henri?” What could possibly matter to him and his two younger brothers but not his twin?

“Yes. In fact, it has nothing to do with Henri.”

Puzzled, Alexander stopped. “I don’t understand. You seem upset but not really worried.”

Edmund’s jaw clenched. “I’m … angry about the news you’re about to receive. You’ll understand soon enough.”

Alexander watched Edmund turn a corner, and after a moment, he followed. His father’s chambers were illuminated by dozens of candles, even though it was the middle of the night. Grayden sat by the fireplace and stared at the flames. The light danced on the dark red walls, giving the room a sinister look.

“Father,” Alexander said, waiting to be acknowledged.

Grayden turned and looked up at his son a moment before gesturing toward the large blue armchair across from him. “Sit, Alexander. I have something to tell you.”

Alexander obeyed but remained on the edge of his seat. “How are you feeling tonight?”

“Tired and old. And ready to unburden myself.” He focused on Alexander. “To right a wrong.”

“All right.” Alexander cast a quick glance at Edmund, who still looked very unhappy.

Grayden looked over his shoulder and sighed. “You have Edmund to thank for this. I might’ve taken this to my grave otherwise.”

Yes, I have Edmund to thank for many things given how little you care about any of your children. “Father, why don’t you go ahead and tell me? Then we can worry about thanking people and righting wrongs.”

Grayden shifted back in his chair and focused on the fire. “There’s a reason the seers haven’t approached you with the identity of your cariad.” He folded his hands in his lap, his knuckles going white. “I forbad them from doing so when I found out who it was.”

Alexander felt the room spinning, and he clutched at the arm of his chair, both to steady himself and to keep from bolting across the small space and wrapping his hands around his father’s neck. All fey people had a cariad, the one person who would make them complete. This person, according to scrolls written thousands of years ago by people now long forgotten, held the other half of one’s heart. Happiness could be found with another, but it supposedly would not compare to the love that would be found with one’s cariad. His twin brother had been married to his cariad, Lorelei, for nearly four years, and Alexander had been waiting all this time for the seers to have a vision of his own bride. Now he knew why the news hadn’t come.

“And what is it about her that you object to so much that you wish me to be alone and unhappy?” Alexander said through clenched teeth.

“It’s a man.”

Alexander opened his mouth to reply, but words wouldn’t come. He looked at his father and then at Edmund. “Why is that a problem?”

“You’re the crown prince. You must have heirs.”

“I have three brothers. I’ll surely have many nephews and nieces to choose a successor from.” He narrowed his gaze. “That’s not it at all. Is it?”

Grayden wouldn’t meet his gaze. “What other reason could I possibly have?”

“Superstition.”

Grayden didn’t respond, and Edmund turned away from them, staring out the small corner window with his arms crossed.

“You believe same-sex pairings are bad luck. I’ve heard you say it before,” Alexander said, fury filling him. “You’re no better than a bigoted human!”

The king’s eyes flicked back to Alexander. “My older sister was fated to a woman. And she drowned the day after their wedding.”

“That was an accident!”

Grayden stood and looked away. “I’ve told you. You can do what you like with the information.”

Alexander jumped up. His father’s flippant demeanor had him ready to scream. He took a steadying breath and said, “Where is he? Who is he? I want to meet him as soon as possible.”

“You’ll have to ask the seers about that.”

Unable to hold back bitter laughter, Alexander shook his head. “I can’t believe you have no idea where he is.”

Grayden brushed past him and opened the door to his bed chamber. “His name is Sebastian, and I sent him to the human realm ten years ago.” He turned back briefly and said, “Only the seers will be able to help you.”

Grabbing the door and holding it firm, Alexander refused to let his father dismiss him. “You’ll come with me. You said you wished to make this right.” Alexander knew his father hadn’t meant the words. It was obvious he’d only gone through these motions because of pressure from Edmund.

“I’ve sent word that they’re to obey you. Since they’ll have to force a second vision to locate him, you’ll need to be there.” Grayden grabbed Alexander’s hand and yanked it from the edge of the door, showing surprising strength in that moment. “You’re dismissed.”

The king passed into the next room and slammed the door shut. Alexander heard the bolt slide into place a moment later.

Alexander couldn’t move. His mind raced, and he could hear the blood roaring in his ears. He jerked when Edmund placed a hand on his shoulder.

“How did you find out?” Alexander asked.

“Your mother told me a couple of hours ago. She found out when they were having an argument earlier today and came to me when she couldn’t manage to convince him to tell you the truth.”

“I see.” Alexander glared at the door of his father’s bed chamber. He knew as well as everyone else did that Edmund, whose cariad had died nearly thirteen years ago, was in love with the queen. Whether his love was returned by Venetia wasn’t quite as clear, though Alexander had noticed how little time his parents spent together. Even though his father was getting on in years and might die soon, his mother slept in a different wing of the palace. He checked the time, judging that it had been nearly midnight when his mother had told Edmund this news, so the adviser had obviously been in her chambers after she’d retired for the evening. Henri disapproved of the affair, but Alexander had never minded. Edmund was more of a father to all of them than the king had ever been. He certainly loved the four of them far more.

“Do you wish to go to the seers?” Edmund asked. “I sent word for the one on watch tonight to wake everyone else up.”

“Yes. I’ll never be able to sleep. Not until I know more.” Before he could stop himself, Alexander picked up a vase and hurled it at his father’s door. Then he took a deep breath and left the room, sensing Edmund following behind him. He felt the urge to continue smashing things as they made their way to the east tower where the seers had their library, but if he woke the entire palace up, he’d have to face a lot of questions, which he wasn’t ready for yet.

When they reached the east tower, he said, “Go find two of the best guards. Ones who’ve been to the human realm many times. I’m going to need their services.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Edmund gave a curt bow and hurried down the hallway.

Alexander scrubbed a hand down his face and tightened the sash of his robe before opening the door and heading up the winding stairs. When he arrived at the top, he didn’t even knock. He shoved the door open and found the library full of people, all of them seemingly calm yet with a wary look.

“I’m not here to yell. I understand none of you could disobey the king,” Alexander said.

No one would quite meet his gaze at first. Ronan stepped forward, clearing his throat. “We still wish to apologize. And help you as much as we can.”

“So you can find him again?”

“I’m the one who originally had a vision of him. I should be able to locate him if you’ll come to the vision room with me.” Ronan gestured to the ornate door nestled in amongst the bookshelves across the room, everyone else moving out of the way. “We can get started right away.”

Alexander followed Ronan into the smaller room and shut the door behind them. This room held nothing but a table and a large silver bowl filled with water. The curtains on the only two windows were drawn, and there were no candles. Yet the light coming from the bowl illuminated the entire room. Visions could come to the seers in any water or reflective surface, but the ancient bowl supposedly amplified their powers, so it was still used often in addition to whatever object was used in their daily meditation.

They went and stood on either side of the bowl. Ronan gripped the edge and said, “Place your hands close to mine. I’ll draw on your energy through the bowl.”

Alexander did so, looking down into the water, which swirled with color. “Will I see what you see?” He knew little about how the visions worked. His people didn’t consult the seers as often as they once did concerning everyday matters. Most simply waited for news of the identity of their cariad.

“No. You’ll only see the colors. Some vague movement. You have to be born with the gift to see anything in the water.”

“I can’t help being curious. I’ve never had a male lover.” He watched the water, then studied the filigree work around the edge of the bowl. Part of him feared it wouldn’t work, and he didn’t want to think about that possibility. “Your cariad is a man, right?”

“Yes.”

“Is he the only man you’ve ever been with?”

Without looking up, Ronan nodded. “I was shocked. But after one conversation, I knew we were meant for each other. Even though I’m a seer, I have my doubts at times. My faith can waver. But his love has done me a lot of good.”

“I have no idea what to do. I’m so angry I can’t even make sense of it.” He closed his eyes. “I’ve been robbed of ten years.” He opened his eyes and blinked repeatedly, wishing he didn’t feel so helpless. “We could’ve been together and happy all this time.”

“Actually, Sebastian’s much younger than you. He was only ten when I saw him in my vision of you.” Ronan cleared his throat. “And I made the mistake of asking your father if I should wait to tell you.”

“You couldn’t have known he’d react that way. I’ve seen how strange and awkward it can be when the visions come before both people are of age.” He sighed. “If he was ten back then, that means he’s only twenty years old.” Alexander tightened his grip on the edge of the bowl. “He’s twelve years younger than I am. What if he doesn’t want me?”

“Once you’ve befriended him, you can unlock his memories. He’ll understand everything. Know what a cariad is and how important the bond is. Perhaps he’ll even remember you. The people have always favored you.”

“But he was ten. A child. I doubt he paid much attention to what the royals were doing.” Alexander shook his head. “How could my father do this? Who cared for Sebastian? He was so young.”

“I don’t know. The king wouldn’t tell us.”

“I wish my father would hurry up and die.”

Ronan glanced up briefly. “You don’t mean that.”

Unwilling to agree completely, Alexander said, “Feels good to say it.”

Ronan stiffened. “I’ve found him.”

Alexander stared down into the water even though he knew he would see nothing. “I wish I could see him.”

“He’s handsome. Shorter than you but still tall. He’s with friends at some sort of party. It’s still early evening wherever he is.” Ronan closed his eyes. “He must be powerful. Could possibly even be a seer. My connection with him is very clear.” He nodded to the door. “I need paper and a quill. If I take my hands off the bowl, I’ll have to start over again.”

Alexander went back into the library and headed for one of the desks. He felt everyone watching him as he picked up several pieces of paper and then grabbed a quill and an ink bottle. Before returning to Ronan, he said, “Ronan found him. Everyone stop looking so damned nervous.”

He understood why they would all be worried, but he wasn’t going to blame any of them for this. He planned on saving every bit of reproach for his father. He set everything down on the edge of the table beside Ronan and returned to the other side of the bowl.

Ronan took one hand off the bowl and began writing immediately, and Alexander tilted his head to read the words. His cariad had brown hair and blue eyes. Next came the name of a city—Mountain Brook. Ronan wrote down an address, then some other random things.

“Can you feel what kind of man he is? Through the connection?” Alexander asked.

“Vaguely,” Ronan said softly. He wrote a few more things down, his head drooping a bit.

“Ronan, don’t tire yourself. You have an address. That’s more than enough.”

Ronan nodded, but he didn’t let go of the bowl for another minute. He took several deep breaths and then looked the paper over before handing it to Alexander.

Alexander read over it, finding out his cariad’s favorite foods and color, among other things. He now had his address and even a description of his car. One item made him pause, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to ask. “You wrote that he’s attracted to men.” He lowered the paper as he looked at Ronan. “Did you sense that through your connection to his mind? Or was he with someone at this party?”

“He was … flirting with a man. Standing close to him.”

“Are they lovers? Could you tell?”

“It seemed they’d just met, but I can’t be sure. They were making small talk. Seemed like a very superficial conversation. Who invited you to the party, what do you do, have you seen a certain movie. That sort of thing.”

“Hmmm.” He looked back to the paper. “Then maybe he’s unattached. That would be a start.” Shaking his head, he said, “How do I even approach him?”

“Perhaps you could try to meet him. He’s young so he probably goes out a lot.”

“And flirts with men. Men who aren’t me.”

“At least he likes men.”

“Men his own age, I’m sure.” Alexander’s head ached. “I’ll never forgive father for this,” he said softly. Trying to focus, he asked, “Is it only me?”

“Only you?”

“What about Nathaniel and Rory? Has anyone had a vision concerning them yet?”

“No, not that I’m aware.”

“Good. Edmund mentioned that this might interest them, but I guess he just meant because they’re waiting to find their own cariads as well.”

“I truly am sorry. I had no idea Sebastian had actually been sent away. The king only forbad me to tell you his identity. I know that doesn’t make up for it, but I’ll help in any way I can. Always. What your father did was wrong.”

“Yes, it was wrong, but the information wasn’t worth your life or anyone else’s, given my grandfather’s habit of chopping heads off.” Alexander scowled as he thought of his grandfather, glad the old tyrant had died when he was still a small child, though his father was only a little better. “Thank you for your support, but it’s all up to me from this point. I have plans to make.” He strode from the room and found that Edmund had returned with two guards. He nodded to the door that led out of the tower. “Follow me. We have a lot of work to do.”

The three men followed Alexander back to his study as he tried, and failed, to calm his pounding heart and slow his jumbled thoughts.

Guest Author - Marie Medina -- Owen and the Beast

Please welcome my guest (and incredible editor) Marie Medina to my blog!  She's sharing a bit from her most recent Valladora Tales book, Owen and the Beast.

Valladora Tales is a series of stand-alone stories set in Valladora. My latest tale, Owen and the Beast, is now available.


As the title suggests, this story is a retelling of the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, but it has a few twists in it.

Seeking to ease his loneliness, Owen sets out to meet his last remaining relative, someone he never knew because of an old family scandal. He’s trying to find his way in life, his path uncertain and his heart having been broken more than once.

Suffering under a demonic curse that can never be lifted, Edmund hides away in Erimooor Lodge so he doesn’t have to deal with the pity and fear his appearance inspires. Though many in the nearby village accept him as he is, he knows not everyone will have that ability to tolerate his animal-like appearance.

Owen makes his living as a storyteller, enthralling others with fantastical tales. Little does he know that the gods have something amazing planned for him when he meets the real “Beast of Erimoor Lodge” and finds out how wrong all the old legends are.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2UL3ON

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/owen-and-the-beast-by-marie-medina/

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-owenandthebeast-2193061-340.html

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/owen-and-the-beast-mm

Excerpt:

Owen hoisted himself up onto the boulder and pulled his boot off, crying out at the unexpectedly sharp pain. He stared down at his rapidly swelling ankle. Cursing, he fumbled for his bag, which had gone flying when he’d caught his foot in a rut in the road and been thrown forward. He’d actually done more damage pulling his foot out of the rut, and that pissed him off. He looked down the road and tried to guess how far away he was from his aunt’s village. He thought it had to be at least five or six more miles, but he didn’t really know. There was supposed to be an inn coming up soon, but he didn’t know its exact location either. What he did know, however, was that he didn’t see anyone coming from either direction on the road.

He barely managed to drag his bag over without falling off the boulder. He dug around in the deep, overstuffed bag, hoping to find something to wrap his ankle with, perhaps even brace it. Even though he’d known he didn’t have anything, he still felt dejected when he cinched up the drawstring and dropped his bag back to the ground. Dirt flew up, making him cough, and he looked up to the sky. It had been so dry lately he’d been praying for rain, but now he hoped it held off since he might get stuck in it. Fluffy clouds floated to his left, but the clouds to his right were darker. He looked around to find some shelter, but he couldn’t see any. Only open fields lined this part of the highway.

Owen sighed and wiggled his ankle, cringing at the pain. He could always rip the hem off one of his shirts to bind it, but walking any distance would only make things worse. His aunt would know just what to do, but she was miles away. Should he keep it still or move it? Should he elevate it? Questions raced through his mind as he heard hooves beating in the distance. He jerked his head up and began waving frantically as soon as the horse became visible over the ridge.

A man about his age rode up on an enormous black stallion. He made the horse stop and jumped down right away. The enormous animal seemed formidable, but it stood calmly and looked on as its master rushed over to Owen. The man actually appeared much younger up close, a huge grin on his face as he pushed his messy brown hair out of his eyes.

“Hi! You look like you need some help!” the man said, still grinning.

Owen had never seen anyone express concern so happily. He shifted on the boulder and said, “Yeah. I sprained my ankle, and I’m still miles from my destination.”

“Where are you heading?” he asked.

“The next village. The small one by the mountains in Lady Christobel’s dominion. My aunt lives there.”

“Oh. That’s many miles away still. You’d never have made it by dark even if you hadn’t hurt yourself. There is a little inn about four miles up, but my home is much closer. I live in the lodge just over this next hill, off in the woods.”

“I’d appreciate it, but I don’t want to impose.” He straightened. “I’m Owen.”

The man laughed. “Sorry. My master would roll his eyes at me and my thoughtlessness. I’m Lane. Nice to meet you, despite the circumstances.”

“Your master? You’re a servant?”

“Yes, sort of.”

“You mentioned a lodge. A hunting lodge?”

“Well, it used to be.” Lane bent down and looked at Owen’s ankle. “Hmmm. I need to see to this, but I don’t have anything for a splint. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know on the way.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it. I was worried about getting stuck out here in the rain,” Owen said as Lane picked up Owen’s bag and hefted it over this shoulder. Glancing to the stallion, Owen sighed. “I know I can’t walk, but I’m not sure I can get up on him. He’s enormous.” Lane was also half Owen’s size, so he wasn’t sure how much help the man would be in getting him up onto the horse. “Maybe if I can stand on one foot and put all my weight on you, I can make it.”

“Oh, don’t worry. We can get you up there.” Lane made a clicking sound with his tongue, and the stallion came right over to them. Speaking to the horse as if it understood every word, Lane said, “This is Owen. We’re going to take him home with us. He needs our help.” Then he pointed at the ground.

To Owen’s shock, the horse actually lay down and then turned to look at the two men. Lane held his hand out.

“Here. Just swing your injured leg over. I’ll steady you.” He frowned. “No, wait, I’ll move to the other side.”

Lane moved to the other side of the stallion and reached his hand over. Owen grasped his hand and threw his injured leg over, pulling himself into position to sit properly in the saddle. Once Owen was situated, Lane smiled at him and clicked at the horse again. Lane held to the horse’s reins and urged him up slowly. The powerful animal got to its feet easily, and Lane walked around to fetch Owen’s other boot.

As they began their journey, Owen asked, “Your master won’t mind an unexpected visitor? I can pay, of course.”

“Nonsense. You’ll be our guest. It’s just me and Lord Edmund day in and day out.” Lane grinned once more. “I’m so excited! I already know exactly what to make for dinner. And I just aired some of the ground floor rooms, so we can move you right in to one of those.”

The title gave Owen pause, as did Lane’s excitement. “Your master’s a vampire?”

“Yes, but he doesn’t like to be addressed by his title. I slip up now and then, and he forgives me. He’s very gracious. Kind and gentle. Would not harm a fly. The best of masters. Good and generous and understanding.” Lane smiled as he kicked at a few pebbles on the road. “I’ve never been happier in my life.”

Owen wondered why Lane was trying so hard to convince him this Edmund was a good man. “You think a lot of your master.”

“Yes, I do.” Lane beamed up at Owen. “I think you’ll like him. I’m sure he’ll like you.”

“Well, once my ankle is bound, I won’t trouble you too much. If I can just rest and then maybe borrow a horse. I promise to bring it back as soon as I can. Or you can accompany me if you like.”

Lane waved his hand. “Nonsense. You should stay until you’re healed. We’d love to have you.”

“I couldn’t impose like that. It will take days. And even if your master is gracious, you haven’t exactly asked his permission.” Worried he might sound condescending, Owen quickly said, “I mean, you know him best, of course, but I hate to put him out in his own home.”

“It’s nothing! Please, I insist. It’s time we had a bit of life and activity about the place.”

Owen watched Lane for a long time, wondering how things could be lacking in life and activity with Lane and his enthusiasm to contend with. 

Guest Author: Marie Medina and Antique Roses

Welcome Marie Medina back to my blog.  She's here to share some of her new release, Antique Roses, Arundel Book 4

As the son of the reigning king of Arundel, Erik has never backed down from a challenge. He goes after everything with a boldness that sometimes gets him into trouble. But when it comes to matters of the heart, he’s been stalling for years because he can’t rid his mind of doubts and fears.

Lance couldn’t be more surprised when he finds out Erik is interested in him. But as he thinks about it, he realizes he’s been deflecting the man’s attention for years. He can’t deny his attraction to the prince, but he also knows they can’t ignore his old grudge against Erik’s father, or Erik’s past struggles with Marcus, the only father figure Lance has ever had.

Can they work through it all to find their way to each other? Or will their love be over before it’s begun?

BUY HERE

Amazon  * All Romance  * Bookstrand  *  iBooks  *   Smashwords

Lance looked over the sketches he’d done and tried to decide what to do. He didn’t know if he wanted to purchase a bunch of plants and garden supplies to take with him or if he simply wanted to conjure them once in Arundel. Either way, plants brought from the mortal world would flourish just as well as, if not better than, those conjured by magic. Anything organic created by magic would have a very static nature. There would be no possibility of variations within the plants. He packed up his sketches in a messenger bag and went to his mother’s house, intending to borrow some tools and ask her advice.

Maggie sat on her back porch drinking a cup of coffee, and she smiled as if she knew exactly where he would be spending the day. “You’re up early,” she called.

“I’m going to Arundel. To help Erik with his garden. I wanted to ask if I could borrow some things.”

“Help yourself,” she said, grinning.

Lance turned away quickly and went into the storage shed. He found the wheelbarrow and began to fill it with tools. At least nothing in Erik’s backyard was overgrown. They’d really only need to dig and till the soil. He wheeled the barrow out and stopped by the back porch. “I have a question.”

“Yes?” his mother said, setting her coffee down.

“I have tons of ideas for what to plant, but I can’t just drop hundreds of dollars on plants. At the same time, I don’t want a bunch of magical plants. They simply won’t be the same.”

Maggie laughed. “Since you’re redoing a prince’s garden, shouldn’t this all be on his dime, so to speak? Decide what you want and then bring him back here with you. Make him pay for it. The man has a credit card—I’ve watched you swipe it before.”

Lance’s mouth fell open, not only because he felt stupid for not thinking of that but also because he’d revealed what he would be doing that day when he hadn’t had to. “Oh, yeah.”

Maggie laughed again. “It’s not like you have to drive there, after all. Pop there, make your decision, pop back and buy the stuff, and then get to work.”

“Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll do that.” He took the handles of the wheelbarrow again and turned, ready to go to Arundel.

“And Lance?”

“Yeah?” Lance called, wondering what was coming. His mother didn’t reply, so he turned to face her.

Very seriously, she said, “Don’t get too exasperated with him. Even he doesn’t realize how much he loves you. You could hurt him much more easily than you think.”

Dropping the handles again, he took a few steps back toward his mother. “I’ve apologized for before, and he and I are good. At least as good as we can be with something that’s in the past. I like him, okay? I said it. I like him. I won’t hurt him, not intentionally. But even a fairie prince can’t force a happy ending.”

“I know. Just saying, dear.”

After a moment, Lance nodded and turned away again. He tried to steady his breathing and relax his features as he moved, and he didn’t actually cross over into Arundel until he’d walked almost to the woods behind his mother’s house. Part of him had wanted to argue about Erik actually being in love with him, but the rest of him didn’t want to have the conversation at all. He emerged in Erik’s backyard and pulled his phone out. He started to send a text, but then he heard something behind him. Erik walked toward him, wearing a pair of khaki pants and a faded blue t-shirt with what seemed to be work boots. “You look ready to work,” Lance said, a bit flustered by the prince’s sudden appearance.

Erik smiled. “Yeah. Just got back from my walk.” He nodded to the barrow. “Looks like you came prepared.”

“Just some basics.” He opened his messenger bag and pulled out the sketches. “I have some ideas. We can pick a section to start on and then go buy the plants. We could get a lot done today.”

“It’s not urgent. You should get to enjoy your days off.”

Even he doesn’t realize how much he loves you. Maggie’s words echoed in his head. Lance said, “I think I’ll enjoy this. I love working outside.”

Erik took the papers from his hand and studied them carefully. “I imagined you’d just draw something rough and label things. But you actually drew the back of the house.” He looked up. “It’s beautiful.”

Lance shrugged one shoulder. “I like to draw.”

Erik held one up. “You could frame this one.” The sketch was of the corner of the house, a trellis and climbing roses added in.

“No way. They’re just for reference.”

“No, they’re all really good, even if they aren’t complete.” He gazed at the back of his house. “What kind of trellises were you thinking? Wood? Wrought iron?”

“Iron might be good actually. Go with the slightly gothic feel.”

“Like a medieval gate?”

“Yeah. Something with that look. Though we might have to search all day for something that unique.”

Erik beckoned Lance to follow him, and they rounded the corner of the house. Leaning against one side was a rusty gate. It stood ten feet tall and had amazing detailing, a pattern of vines twisting into each other on both sides. The craftsmanship had some flaws and inconsistencies, but that only proved how old it was.

“That’s amazing,” Lance said.

“I saved it from a castle that was crumbling. It had been condemned. It was small, as castles go, and no one that important had ever resided there, so no one rushed to preserve anything from it. I saved what I could.”

Lance walked over to touch it. He concentrated and felt the piece’s vibrations.

“When was it made?” Erik asked when Lance drew his hand away.

Lance turned to Erik, curious. “How did you know what I was doing?”

Erik paused a moment, holding Lance’s gaze. Then he took a deep breath and said, “I went to see Marcus a few days ago. I told him I wanted a truce because of you. We talked, mostly about you. I got his approval, but it was backed by a very pointed threat.”

Needing a moment to process that confession, Lance touched the gate again. “It was made in 1503. I can only feel so many details, but it was designed with love.” He looked up at the top, where a crude rose stood out. “The man who made this did it for someone he loved.”

“Then I’m even more glad I saved it.” Erik came closer. “I should have told you I went to talk to him. I wasn’t trying to go behind your back, but I wanted to clear the air with Marcus.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I made it clear that Marcus is important to me.” Lance smiled. “I’m glad you talked to him. You think you two will get along?”

“Well enough. I’ll try to keep my temper locked down.”

Lance chuckled. “He does love to try to get a rise out of people.”

“He does. He seemed to enjoy goading me.”

His curiosity piqued again, Lance asked, “What did he do?”

Erik inched closer again. “Rhapsodized about how handsome you are. Before making it clear he only has a fatherly regard for you. He got a big kick out of seeing my reaction.”

Lance glanced away for a moment before looking back and asking, “You got jealous?”

“Yes. He means a lot to you, and he’s very handsome himself. He didn’t push too much, but it did annoy me.”

“No punches thrown?”

A smile curved Erik’s lips. “No, we were quite civilized. He told me all about his collection.”

“The flow blue?”

“Yeah. I never imagined him collecting dishes.”

Lance smiled up at the prince. “People can surprise you, ya know.”

Erik touched Lance’s cheek. Lance wanted another kiss, but he knew what would happen if they touched now.