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Hi everyone,
Here is an excerpt from my short story Riana’s Revenge from the anthology – Every Witch Way But Wicked – available NOW!
…
“Do you agree to represent your House in this challenge?”
Challenge? Is that what one called it? She’d have used the word slaughter.
“Yes,” she murmured.
Among the audience, shocked ripples mingled with laughter, anticipation and a growing anger. The elders were council members, but there was always an audience of thrill seekers looking for a show. They’d expected a fight. Not this. Not her.
“Are you aware of the charge levied against you?”
She nodded.
“How do you respond to the charge?”
An air of anticipation swept through the house.
Riana lifted her chin. “I am the rightful Head of Sarlagon House. My documentation is in order and has been handed to the authorities to back up my claim.”
“She lies!”
For the first time, Riana turned to face her accuser. Her mind reeled. Ector, Bronan’s father – a bully, a destroyer, a killer. Fate was laughing her head off – again. Ector had tried to steal the House of Sarlagon from her mother years ago. Now he was back to try and steal it from the daughter. Figures. Ector had a bad name in her elemental world. His house worked fire, consumed everything in its path. Hers worked water, gave life to everyone and everything. Many would say they could never get along. Some would say they were born to be natural enemies. Or born partners. Bronan worked energy. He had no affinity for flames. Still, he’d managed to burn her – badly.
Bronan spoke up. “Ector, Warrior of Huron House, do you wish to proceed with your challenge?
“I do.”
Riana snorted. No hesitation on his part. He couldn’t wait. The seven foot warrior almost frothed at the mouth. He figured she’d be easy. Have her at his mercy within minutes, then in exchange for her life, he’d want her as a slave. That wouldn’t end well.
“The council requests a moment.” Several elders gathered together while Riana and Ector stood and waited.
Riana didn’t know what the council was arguing on, but she refused to let Ector steal her House. The last hydromancer Priestess, Riana’s mother, had died just over a decade ago. Riana would be the next, the only Priestess of her people.
Except she was a year too young to ascend to rule. She was almost nineteen. Her birthday was at midnight tonight. All Hallows’ Eve. She had to be twenty to rule the House or she had to prove she was strong enough to keep what she held.
Hence the challenge.
Normally by the age of twenty, she’d have completed her hydromancer training. With the passing of her mother, there’d been no one left to train her. But she was strong. No one knew how strong, including herself. A triumph today would cement her status, her title and stop any others from attempting to take over her House. At least for awhile. Should she lose – well, she wouldn’t go there. To have Bronan be part of the judicial team was unacceptable. Surely his father being the challenger was grounds to have him removed.
“Don’t bother.”
Riana gasped, her eyes darting toward Bronan and then away. Damn it. Why couldn’t she catch a break? When had he learned to mindspeak?
“My skills, like yours, have increased.”
Off center, Riana trembled. No. This couldn’t be. She shook her head and opened her mouth to protest to the council.
“No. Don’t try to get rid of me. You need to trust me. You don’t know what you’re up against.”
“Trust you?” It was all she could do to stop herself from glaring in his direction. The rules of their relationship hadn’t changed. The basic underlying conflict from those tumultuous months – no one could know. His rule, not hers. She’d wanted to tell the world. He’d wanted to keep it quiet. Because … he hadn’t planned on sticking around.
“You don’t understand. I had to leave. We couldn’t be together. Once my father suspected us, it was the only way to keep you safe.”
She closed her eyes, tremors racking her body. Dear God. How could she focus on what she faced right now? She couldn’t. Not with him there. She had to get rid of him.
0O0
Riana’s Revenge is on sale now!
