I have a new release from an author friend that I want to share with you!! This is the 3rd installment in the Chronicles of the Twelve Realms! If you love historical fantasy, don't miss out on this fantastic YA adventure by author Rachael Ritchey!
Sir Ahmad leaves High Castle to escape his feelings for Lady Idra, but he is called home by duty to the high prince. During his absence, Idra refuses to let fear or timidity rule her life any more. Her willingness to help others attracts danger at every turn, including when a new knight to the castle asks for her help with a fellow guardsman. When they begin to uncover the roots of treason that threaten to undo the kingdom, they’ve unwittingly incited the wrath of an ancient rebellion, putting not only themselves in peril but also their friend and all those he cares most for in the world.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gVQM4w
Book 1: The Beauty Thief is only 0.99! http://amzn.to/2gVPWop
Book 2: Captive Hope http://amzn.to/2hBQinS
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/rachael+ritchey?_requestid=1881073
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rachael-ritchey/id969734383?mt=11
EXCERPT:
Excerpt for Blog Touring
The Treasonous By
Rachael Ritchey
“Lady Idra, I came
this way to ask for the next dance,” Ahmad said, his voice gruff, effectively
ignoring Sir Xavier in the process.
Idra noticed his disregard. She’d
assumed his animosity had been aimed at her in some way, but in truth, she now
saw that his resentment pointed at Sir Xavier. In a sudden rush of sisterly
affection she wiped the besotted look from her face and frowned at him.
“Sir Ahmad, while I
would love to dance I am not sure if the Concordian is an appropriate one for
me to take with you as I feel our minds are not in agreement at this time. I
will offer you the Dispassia Grand,” she said with finality and curtsied low
before grasping Sir Xavier's arm and pressing him to walk on around Ahmad.
Idra’s internal critic screamed a barrage of cruel thoughts.
She’d
lost her mind, instantly and without notice. Her refusal, subtle or not, to
dance with Ahmad acted like a battering ram to her gut as she railed upon
herself for stupidly turning him down. All she’d wanted for months was to be
near him, to feel even the briefest touch of his skin, to smell him, to hear
the breath of his words pass his smiling lips. When she’d been a prisoner on
that pirate ship, bound for a life of slavery, she’d hardened her heart to the love
of him. The threat of it happening again, of losing him, stabbed deeper than
before. At that precise moment, she wanted nothing better than to cry, but she
bit her lip and pressed her eyes closed for a second to contain her emotions to
avoid adding one more bit of gossip to the halls of High Castle.
“Lady Idra, I’m
sorry. I didn’t realize . . . I didn’t think I would make trouble for you by
searching you out for the dance. I have obviously stirred up a rather awkward
situation.”
Sir Xavier’s hand pressed atop Idra’s in a
comforting gesture, and his words were low, meant only for her as they moved
away from the dance floor toward the front of the ballroom. A sigh escaped her,
and Idra shook her head. Gratefulness for his forthright disruption of her internal
chastisement soothed her.
“Tis not your fault.
I’m sure you are aware I’ve been learning defensive tactics and weapons from my
cousin Gavin.” She watched him nod. “Sir Ahmad didn’t know about it and came
upon us while we trained this afternoon. He—no, I became angry and said some
things before storming off. Not exemplary behavior on my part.”
“And now I’ve made
things more awkward,” Sir Xavier said, his face askew with consternation.
They stopped near the steps to the thrones and Idra looked
up at him. “How do you come to that conclusion?”
Sir Xavier took a turn to cock his head in
confused surprise. “You mean you don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“Sir Ahmad is
jealous, my lady.”
“Jealous?” She
laughed but doubt sneaked past the armor protecting her heart. “Don’t be
ridiculous. Sir Ahmad knows how I feel about him. I made it quite clear. He . .
. he’s no reason to be jealous.”
