It’s that time of year to curl up by the fire with a good book and something to drink and slip into another world for a while.
So what world will you be visiting?
MASTER OF THE FLEET is FREE this weekend at Smashwords!
Set in an alternate world where magic is just part of everyday life, Richard is Master of the Fleet for the family shipping firm. With his ability as a weather-shaper to control wind and water, he helps keep his ships safe out on the open seas.
But it will take more than magic to sort out his love life.
Go on over to Smashwords and pick up a copy of Master of the Fleet, and have a wonderfully cozy weekend.
EXCERPT
“After the events of the evening, I will allow this to stand under one condition.”
“And what is the condition, Your Excellency?” Richard was careful to keep his tone respectful.
“An oath which will keep her safe and make you her protector,” the baron replied. “Draw your dagger.”
Richard did as commanded, as the baron circled the table.
“Make a small cut on your hand and on the woman’s.”
“A blood oath, Your Excellency?”
“You question me?”
“No, Your Excellency.”
With the tip of the dagger, Richard made a nick in his hand, and its twin in Anne-Marie’s. Droplets of blood beaded up in their palms.
“Clasp hands,” the baron instructed them.
Over their joined hands, the baron traced arcane symbols in the air. Tingling magic swirled around their hands to bind the oath.
“By the mingling of your blood, do you, Anne-Marie, swear absolute loyalty and obedience to Lord Sir Richard LeMarnier, on pain of death, for as long as you shall live?”
She was crying and shaking so hard Richard wasn’t sure how she was still upright.
“I do so swear,” she replied through the tears.
“And Lord Sir Richard LeMarnier, do you swear to spare her life and guard her, as her sworn protector, for as long as she lives?”
“I do so swear.”
“You will remain together, blood-bound, for as long as the oath shall stand, neither one leaving the other, nor causing harm, one to the other. Breaking the conditions set forth will bring forth the penalty. The oath can be revoked before death by the skills of a baron only. Take heed.”
He motioned for someone to bring a moist towel so they could clean their hands.
Clearing his throat, Richard said, “If you will send someone for a priest, Your Excellency, I will take this woman as my wife tonight.”
His Grace looked startled and asked, “What priest will marry you under the circumstances?”
“I think he would rather we be married than not,” Lord Richard replied. “I doubt if Anne-Marie will object. Priest or not, she will be mine this evening. Wife or whore, I care not which. Either way, she will please me well. Her life is mine to use as I see fit. If it matters to you, fetch a priest.”
“It’s your life. So be it.”
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