I’ve joined a fantasy free-for-all giveaway this October which will last for only one day, which is today (Oct 6th)!

If you’d like to fill your kindle or e-reader with free fantasy novels in all sub-genres.

Due to this, Queen of Deception is also available for free in all retailers.

So, if you haven’t already, grab your copy while you can

ANDY: Wow, starting off with a tough one!

I am a bit of an oxymoron: bookworm and martial artist, geek and athlete. I love complex board games, video games, and a massively sprawling book series just as much as I love kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, snowboarding, and running. I’m also very passionate about cooking because it means I can eat delicious foods, and I’m slightly obsessive about coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.

MAY: Sounds like you’re an extroverted introvert. I can manage the sloth-related events, though I do miss playing volleyball and tennis. These days, all I want is some peace and quiet to read and write. The word ‘quiet�� with my two boys is non-existent. ��

ANDY: I think it chose me, to be honest.

As a kid in elementary school, English was always my best subject, particularly when it came to anything creative—poetry, prose, even creative non-fiction. I have always loved reading as well as hearing and telling stories.

During my teenage years, I had lots of free time but no internet access (these were the days when the internet was still fairly “new��) or video games. I basically had a clunky desktop with MS Paint and MS Word. My art skills are…not great, so I had no choice but to write words to fill the time. That was when I discovered just how much I loved writing stories.

After that, it was just a matter of time (about 10 years) until I finally felt the urge to write a proper book. From there, I was absolutely hooked, and I haven’t been able to consider any other career since.��

MAY: You’re a complete reverse of me, it seems. I’ve spent my entire life running away from writing. My English teacher thought I was dreadful at the subject—all except creative writing. English is my third language, so it was a bit hard for me to learn it and do well at it at the same time in school. By the time I hit college, I was more focused on Sciences and Computer Science. Writing, again, did not seem like a good career path, yet it was the only thing that kept me awake during boring lectures.

I think when I fell sick for 6 months in my last year of college was when I finally caved and accepted that I’m not a programmer but a writer. It took all the stress I had away and I got better.

I suppose, writing chose me too. It stalked me, beat me with a baseball bat, and wrapped its spikey vines all around me. No escape now.

ANDY: That’s like asking which of my kids is my favorite. (We all know we have one, we just don’t say it aloud!)

I’d say the book that I enjoyed writing most was one of the Cerberus books. Probably Lethal Extraction, Book 9. That sci-fi series is so action-packed that it was a thrill to write. But that one book takes place in this crazy impossible Rubik’s cube of a prison, with all sorts of insanely dark tortures and twists. It was an absolute delight to throw the most impossible things at the character and then try to figure out how the heck he’s gonna get out of there. I think that’s the book I’ve finished fastest and enjoyed writing most.

MAY: That name will forever make me think of “Cerberus�� from Mass Effect 2&3. I’ve replayed that series maybe 7 times in total and would do it again in a heartbeat if I had the time.

So far, I think my favourite book to write was Queen of Hope (EoSC #3). It’s currently with the early reviewers as an ARC. I had a ton of fun writing it, but the characters…probably enjoyed it a lot less than me. They got to suffer through some dangerous situations, reached new goals, and I can say there’s tonnes of humour.

ANDY: I think the Hunter would be the most fun: we’re off to kill demons or something equally wicked, and you just know it’s going to be a wild ride all the way. Then again, people tend to die horribly around him all the time.

Or maybe pulling off a heist with Ilanna and her Night Guild crew. I don’t think I’d be a good mastermind, but I could be helpful with clever ideas and tricks.

MAY: I think the safest character I could choose would be Queen Emilia V. Dante. We would probably get along as long as she doesn’t know I’m the author of her story. No doubt I could provide some help with her endless paperwork. I’m used to it by now.

Just kidding. She’s always running head-first into danger to help her allies/friends. I’d have no time to start on the paperwork.

ANDY: Cars. Being a bit older (and, I hope, wiser), the idea of zipping down a highway at MANY miles per hour with nothing between my very breakable body and the very hard road holds less appeal than it might have when I was a daredevil and fully invincible youngster.

MAY: I never liked motorcycles. They make too much noise, and I get plenty of that from my kids. I prefer the quiet of the car ride along with some good music.

ANDY: Don’t worry about telling the “perfect�� story or being the “best�� author around. Just tell the story that is the most honest to who you are as a person, that gives people a glimpse into your heart, soul, and mind. And tell it the best you can. The only person you’re ever truly competing with is yourself. As long as you’re striving to be better than you were yesterday, you are making progress as an author.

MAY: That’s amazing and heartfelt advice. I think a lot of authors have to push themselves to keep up with the market, trends, and tropes. It is exhausting, to say the least, when, as indies, we are often stuck with marketing, looking for good cover designers who are now booked up till the end of next year, finding the time to write, and possibly having a job or two on the side to pay the household bills.

ANDY: The most difficult thing has been, still is, and likely always will be conveying deeper emotions through my stories.

I like to tell stories that really dig deep and “twist the knife��, wringing every drop of emotion and angst out of my characters. But sometimes I worry the descriptions can get a bit repetitive, so I’m always trying to find new ways to say the same thing. Which can be very hard!

MAY: I have my editor who complains to me about a scene or two being emotionally dead sometimes. When you live through the lives of multiple characters and your own, separating emotions and conveying them on paper can be hard. It’s no wonder people often say, “There are no words to describe how I feel right now.��

ANDY: A character who is “real��, regardless of what façade they wear. The Hunter is “real�� because he’s an outsider looking for his place in a world where he doesn’t belong, a man looking for connection in a lonely world. Nolan Garrett is “real�� because he is fighting his own inner demons (addiction) and struggling to overcome a very real limitation (paraplegia) but refuses to let it stop him. Ilanna is “real�� because she refuses to quit even when things get difficult to the point of impossibility. The rest of it—the fantasy and magic of it all—is just “window dressing�� to showcase the story of the real person beneath.

MAY: You’ve put a lot of thought into your characters and their backgrounds. It is great to see authors who do that, as being able to resonate with such deep characters makes the story truly enjoyable.

I would say that avoiding glaring plot holes also helps. Some of us are “pantsers”—I still find the term ridiculous because all I can think of is WW2 tanks. We just follow the characters along and hope it makes sense in the end. I think I’ve had to plug a few minor holes in the story so far during the lengthy editing process. Some things were caught by the editor, some by me. Phew.

ANDY: I tend to plot fairly heavily, but I do give myself room to adapt and change as I write. I’d say probably 75% plotter and 25% pantser.

To get into the mood to write, I have a few things:

If I can do that, I’m in a great headspace and can usually start writing no problem.

MAY: I think you might faint if you hear about my process. I’m the reverse of you on this too. Pretty sure I’m 75% pantser and 25% plotter. Luckily, as willing as I am to let my characters do whatever they like on paper, I do still plan the world, the history, the ending, certain milestones, and from then on, I just keep track of descriptions, new characters, places, etc. in Reedsy. Thank heavens my friend introduced me to it. I was losing my marbles by having to flip through pages and pages and PAGES of notes��

As for my process��

ANDY: I’m excited to be working on wrapping up the Dragonblood Assassin series in the fourth and final book, Golden Flames.

This has been an absolute treat to write because I get to play with DRAGONS and MAGIC—two things my other books have never had.

And the fact that I get to work on it with my good friend Jaime Castle makes it so much more fun. I get to create all these cool things, then work them out with him to really make sure they hit home right and make sense. Plus, he gets SOOOOO creative with the cursing in the fantasy world, which is just so much fun to read after he edits along behind me.

MAY: Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview with me, Andy! I absolutely loved your answers and hope you enjoyed the questions. Big hugs! Don’t forget to check out Andy’s giveaway and social media!

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Hi everyone,

I’m hosting a ŷ������ giveaway for 100 Queen of Deception e-books. This applies to anyone living in the United States only. I am sad this giveaway cannot be applied worldwide, but what can we do?

Giveaway ends on September 30th, 2023.

So, don’t forget to join the giveaway and add the book to your TBR list

BLURB:

If you were offered a second life, would you take it?

Emilia died. She thought it was all over but then she opens her eyes and realizes she’s a child with all the memories of her past life and her eidetic memory intact.

Not just that. She’s now living in a medieval world that resembles her favourite fantasy novel—The Cruel Empire. Instead of being a main character, she’s reborn into the role of a princess fated to die before the age of eighteen.

As years go by, and she realises she’s not waking from a dream, she settles into her new life with only a goal in mind—survival.

Having years ahead of her before her new life is cut short, Emilia pulls the strings and builds a network of friends that will help her with her goal—stop Prince Thessian from killing her with the rest of her despicable family and make him her ally.
If she can do this, she can rule to improve her kingdom’s conditions and support Thessian’s goal to become emperor of the neighbouring empire.

But when a side character messes with the main plot, what will happen to Emilia’s future now that she has no idea of what other events she has set in motion?

Readers�� Favorite recognizes “Twisted Truths�� by May Freighter in its annual international book award contest, currently available at��.

The Readers�� Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.

Readers�� Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors�� and “Honoring Excellence�� awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).

“When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers�� Favorite.�� –Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House

Readers�� Favorite is proud to announce that “Twisted Truths�� by May Freighter won the Bronze Medal in the Young Adult �� Fantasy �� Urban category.

You can learn more about May Freighter and “Twisted Truths�� at����where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

“Reviewed By Miche Arendse for Readers�� Favorite

After being caught in a magic circle, Helena is tossed out of a portal a year into the future in Twisted Truths: Helena Hawthorn Series Book 7 by May Freighter. Everything seems to have changed; however, no one wants to explain what is happening. Surrounded by chaos, it comes to light that Lucious may have caused everything that went wrong, but there is always more to a story. Can they set things right, or will their world forever remain changed?

Twisted Truths by May Freighter is a delightful book, and although it’s the seventh book in a series, I found it easy to read as a standalone. The world-building was very well done, with the past and present happenings explained to the reader. I also really appreciated the glossary at the start of the book, which explained certain terms specific to the series. Freighter did a wonderful job with the characters, most of which you quickly become acquainted with, and I easily found them likable in many ways. Helena, in particular, is a very good female lead, both strong and caring, with a good head on her shoulders. Overall, Twisted Truths is a well-written urban fantasy with a good amount of uniqueness in terms of plotline, and I easily became engrossed in the story. I think any fantasy and paranormal book fan should read this as a standalone or read the series from the start.��

Readers�� Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202
800-RF-REVIEW
[email protected]

KATLYN: Ah, yes. This is such a great question! It started in elementary school for me, when I was ten years old. My science teacher at the time did something fun on Fridays to lively the days and get our brains moving. She would give us a random prompt and for ten minutes we would write whatever we wanted and share it with the class. I noticed while the other kids only had maybe a few sentences, mine would span pages. From there, it became something I really enjoyed doing, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I actively pursued potentially making an author career happen.

MAY: My Biology teacher in secondary school liked me too, to the point that when I missed the day with the sheep’s heart dissection and asked her if I could do it during lunch, she agreed. My English teacher, on the other hand, told me to give up doing higher-level English, because I sucked at it. I bet she never thought I’d become an author as a career choice��

KATLYN: There’s been a lot of positives—having creative freedom, delving into a world of my own making, but there are some negatives too. Being a writer of any kind is an isolating experience unless you have the right people to rally around you. Even then, it can still be daunting to take on something that hadn’t existed before you decided to mould it. It’s in times like these that I’m grateful for other author buddies who are on the same journey. It makes me feel less alone.

There have been times of doubt, especially when I first decided to publish. I was young and didn’t know much, didn’t research well enough. I made a lot of mistakes the first go around, but I feel much more confident about diving back into publishing again.

MAY: Tell me about it! I’ve been away for three years, and I feel like I’m back to square one. Everyone I knew is doing something else. Some people gave up entirely because the competition was just so great. Even AIs are writing books now.

A new genre for an author is always a blank page in terms of marketing.

KATLYN: This is kind of a hard question…I don’t really have one? I love reading and I feel like I always find a character to take from books that I’ve enjoyed. It’s really hard for me to pick a favorite!

MAY: I feel your pain. It can be hard to pick from other authors�� works, so I will choose one of my own—Sir Laurence Oswald. He cracks me up so much when I write his scenes that I often feel happy just being with him.

KATLYN: This is an easy one! Either vanilla or cookies and cream!

MAY: I’m one of those weirdos who gets a pistachio ice cream��

KATLYN: This is actually a crazy story. I can’t believe I’m actually getting to tell it to someone I don’t know. The entire journey of this series started a long time ago. When I was only thirteen, I decided that I wanted to try my hand at writing an actual book. Prior to that, everything was just fanfiction or random stories of my friends.

After writing a fanfiction for two friends of mine, I was absolutely tired of it. During this time, Twilight was super big. It was also around a time in my life that I’m sure most kids experience—where you think that you’re invincible. After setting a goal, wanting my book to be a best seller before I was even an adult, my friends and I decided to make our own story. We toyed around with character names, and they told me what they wanted to happen in the book, and I ended up writing the scenes. We would get together on weekends whenever school wasn’t in session. The writing times lasted for what felt like forever.

For them, it was just a fun way to pass the time. When we got into high school, the book was no longer something they were interested in as they moved on to other things. I kept a notebook of the first draft at my house and when I was a senior in high school, I opened it up again. Sadly, all of the pages were super brown and worn, so the notebook wasn’t salvageable. But that ignited the spark for the story to come alive again.

As far as the title, I can’t remember why we chose that. But I can say that it has stuck for almost twelve years now.

MAY: That’s an amazing tale in itself. I remember doing something similar in secondary school but most of my friends back then did it for laughs. I did find a notebook of my old writing and…well…that is not something that can EVER become a book. God forbid.

KATLYN: Yes, absolutely! Victoria Aveyard is one. Her writing is phenomenal. Another is a duo—Elle Madison and Robin Mahle. Their stories are absolutely amazing!

MAY: I suddenly have an urge to read their work. I have seen their books on sale but never had the time to dive into them. As for me, I am stuck in the old days of Ann Rice, LJ Smith, and Darren Shan. Not necessarily pure fantasy authors, some are Middle-Grade Horror, but they are fantastic writers.

KATLYN: Oh, yes…this is a tough one that I’ve had to learn recently. First piece of advice is to write for yourself. I’ve had to learn this because when you put your story into the hands of another person, it’s easy to feel like they hold the weight of your book. That’s a hard thing to carry. And I feel in some way, it does diminish what you’ve poured into it. So, if you write something that you’re proud of, regardless of what anyone else thinks, your story will always be with you.

My second piece of advice is that your story will never be for everyone. But in that same breath, your story will be for someone. That’s what I cling to when I feel like people might hate my book, or that the review might be terrible. It gives me some sort of peace to know that, somehow, people just end up finding what they need at the right time. That’s what keeps me going in writing.

MAY: I still cling to the memory of a reader reaching out to me and saying that my work kept them entertained while they were hospitalised. It’s the greatest feeling in the world to know someone liked your story and that it brought them joy, sadness, and fantasy to get away from reality.

KATLYN: I definitely can! I currently live in Kansas with my husband and our two fur babies. Originally, I’m from Louisiana, which is about 14 hours away from Kansas.

My favorite hobbies are reading, binge-watching shows, and eating snacks. I’m super introverted so doing things outside of my comfort zone is a bit hard for me to do, but my husband is more adventurous, so I feel like that’s helped a lot.�� My goal is to get more out of my comfort zone now, so if you have any recommendations on things to do, I’m all ears.

MAY: I am pretty much a cave troll at this point in terms of my introversion. Worry not, things could be worse My friends either have to startle me by arriving spontaneously or giving me a one-month notice. Plus, I spend all day socialising with a baby and a toddler. I cannot hold a human conversation with an adult anymore.

KATLYN: This is a tough one. I’m personally a huge dog fan. But my husband got us a cat last July. She’s become a huge part of our family, and I adore her so I guess it’s a tie!

MAY: Cats. Dogs have too much energy.

KATLYN: If you love stories that involve friendships that span over a decade, with history, memories, secrets, and fae-like creatures, then my story may be for you.

MAY: You’re too shy, Katlyn. I love you and big hugs! I hope your journey to success is as smooth as butter.

Now let’s check out the blurb and the wonderful preview of your book below!

Three Girls.

Three Lives.

One Bond.

After almost a decade apart, Cammie, Hannah, and Sabina never expected their paths to cross again so suddenly. But when Cammie is plagued by memories of a person she has never met, she has no choice but to reach out to the friends she lost touch with years ago.

A charismatic stranger—by the name of Caelan—claims he holds the answers to her mounting list of questions. Instead, Cammie winds up in a comatose state. With Caelan’s help, Sabina races against time to find the man in Cammie’s memories who holds the key to an unseen world�� before her friend is lost within her own mind forever.

Meanwhile, Hannah finds herself fighting for her life after being thrust into the middle of a war between beings rumored to be myth. In the midst of the chaos, one element holds true�� fate pulled them back together for a reason. Will the trio uncover the truth they seek? Or run from an answer they fear will shatter their world as they know it?

Sabina’s mind was never more cluttered, but she knew she had to do something, anything to ease the discomfort and confusion her friend was carrying.

“What do we do now?�� Cammie asked, her bottom lip quivering.

“We’re going to go home, and you can shower and calm down. Maybe we can talk about a strategy after. Maybe we can get in touch with Hannah. She was in the picture with us. She’d know what to do or maybe where to look.��

Cammie solemnly nodded and got up from the table. Her nose pinched upward, and then she blinked once, twice. “Are you okay?�� Sabina rose to her feet, arms outstretched toward Cammie.

The color of cherries dotted Cammie’s cheeks and splotched her forehead. Little beads of sweat were slick against her eyebrows, small droplets dripping into her eyes. Her hands began to shake. Her eyes were a glass pane that seemed to have no focus, and a small moan fell from her lips.

“Cammie? Answer me. Are you okay?�� Sabina’s voice was higher than usual, the panic etched into her voice. It only took a second for Cammie’s knees to buckle and her eyes to roll back before she was sprawled on the floor.

Within seconds, Sabina was cradling Cammie’s head in her hands, crouched to the floor. Gasps of concern scattered amongst every table, and then the crowd formed. Sabina tried to lift her, but Cammie’s body was too heavy, as limp as it was. And there it hit her.

Cammie was unconscious.

The scream of horror was loud against her ears, and it took a few moments to realize the scream was hers. And then she was crying so much that breathing was like taking skips that never seemed to touch the ground. An arm yanked on her shoulder, and she pulled her fist backward. No one was going to take her away from her friend.

“I can help.�� Caelan’s eyes were full of horror to the same degree that bubbled in her gut. “What do we do, Caelan? What do we do?�� The words were like a spilled drink, but no amount of wiping would clear it up. “She was fine, and then she stood up, and now she’s—is she okay? Is she going to be okay?�� The bubbling in her throat was thick, no matter how many times she swallowed. “Do we take her to the hospital?��

Caelan shook his head. “No, a hospital won’t fix this.��

“How do you know?�� Sabina said, her voice above a whisper.

When he turned to her, she could finally see it. His eyes were wise beyond her years of existence, and they could offer an answer to the plea in her heart. “You’re going to have to trust me,�� he said, hoisting Cammie in his arms. “We need to take her home, where she can fight this in her sleep. It’s the only way to go through the process of reclaiming what was lost.��

Sabina’s head moved faster than her mouth. “Reclaiming? Reclaiming what?��

“Her memories,�� Caelan said matter-of-factly. It was as if he were discussing something as simple as the weather or what dinner would be. It was as natural as breathing.

“You know what happened to Cammie?�� Sabina breathed. “But how?��

“It’s like I said,�� he replied. “You’re just going to have to trust me.��

, , and .

The upstairs hall of the Broken Mast Tavern crowded around Sable like guards drawn up too close. She forced her breathing to stay slow, partly to take the edge off the stench of old fish, partly to keep the edge of loathing off her face.

The huge form of Boone stood guard outside Kiva’s office, arms crossed over his massive chest, eyes devoid of emotion. Even though Sable was taller than the first time she’d been shoved down this hall ten years ago, her nose still barely came up to Boone’s elbow.

“Lovely day,�� she murmured. Knowing better than to expect an answer, she ducked around him and into the room.

“It is a lovely day, Sable,�� Kiva drawled, his voice smooth and almost charming.

“I’m sure it is somewhere,�� Sable answered.

The gang boss of the Vayas leaned back comfortably behind a large desk, which filled most of his office. The two small windows were open, but the breeze did nothing more than stir the midday heat. Despite the warmth, he wore a brocade vest in such a rich blue it almost gave the impression she was speaking to a proper merchant. He motioned for her to sit in the cramped space across from him.

Pete, Kiva’s second bodyguard, stood in his usual corner, crowding the room even more. The thick dwarf scowled behind his black beard and wooly brow.

Sable pulled the chair out until it hit the wall. She sat and leaned back, straightening her legs in the small space between herself and the desk, as though spreading out might stretch the entire building and allow a little more freedom.

Kiva looked the way Sable always imagined a goblin might. He was barely taller than she was. His hair, an unremarkable walnut color, hung down to his shoulders, curling wildly. His narrow face was sharpened by the pointed beard that ran along his jawline and jutted out from his chin. His thin-lipped mouth was wide enough to look like it was continually spread in a humorless smile.

Sliding around his fingers were the bright green loops of his pet vayakadyn snake. The creature was no thicker than his thumb, but its bite held enough venom to kill a man Boone’s size in a few agonizing minutes.

But it wasn’t Kiva’s goblin-like qualities or the horrid little snake that made these meetings so unpleasant. It was the sharp coldness Sable knew was coming.

“Lord Renwen,�� Kiva began in his placid drawl, “slimy little scab that he is, has increased the number of ships he’s docking in port and has not paid the additional fee.��

Instead of the icy chill of lies, Kiva’s truthful words added an uncomfortable warmth to the summer afternoon. Sable hid her surprise behind a look of faint interest.

“He’s increased the guards on his merchandise,�� he continued, “so it’s too costly to confront him outright.�� The words remained true. “He should know better than to cheat the Vayas.��

Sable studied him. He was telling the truth? Kiva never told the truth.

Pete stood next to her, oblivious to everything she felt.

Sable focused on what Kiva had said, instead of how it had felt. “Renwen?�� That was a bigger fish than he usually sent her after.

Kiva nodded. “He’s wiggled his way into the graces of Lord Trelles himself.��

Sable didn’t bother to hide her surprise at that. If Renwen was close to the head of the Merchant Guild, he’d become a very big fish indeed.

“As well as into the graces of Trelles�� daughter,�� Pete said, the smirk visible through his beard.

Kiva’s face remained unamused. “A rumor I cannot use unless it is confirmed.�� He focused on Sable. “I sent Pete and Boone to locate Renwen’s business ledger. But they couldn’t find it.��

Pete’s smile faded. “It’s not in his office,�� he said, a churlish edge to his voice.

Kiva ignored him. “I need that ledger if I’m to prove what he owes me.��

The change was stark. Kiva’s words slashed across the room, cold and sharp.

Sable tried to keep her face bland. There were the lies she’d been expecting, although it made her wonder why he really wanted the ledger.

“I should have sent you from the beginning, Sable.�� Kiva fell back into his customary, mildly pleasant expression, and the room settled into the ordinary air of a conversation that carried neither deeply held truth, nor purposeful lies. “But you have a tendency to bend my rules. I need things done as I say this time.��

She stayed leaned back in her chair, and laced her fingers together across her stomach. “I always do what you say.��

“No. You always get what I want, so I overlook how often you don’t do what I say.��

She smiled at him. “I only alter your plans when they need improving.��

Pete gave an irritated grunt.

Kiva fixed the dwarf with a quelling look. “I sent you to find a simple ledger, Pete, yet you brought me nothing. I sent Sable to find me a silver horseshoe, and what did she bring me?��

Pete’s beard shifted as he clenched his jaw in irritation. “A horse,�� he quipped.

“Yes. A silver horse. She’s earned some leeway over the years.�� Kiva leaned toward Sable, his gaze intense. “But this time, I want nothing touched.�� His words pushed against her again, warm with truth. He felt so strongly about the words that he grew slightly brighter. The afternoon light caught on the curls of his hair, bringing out amber strands.

It had been a long time since she’d seen someone who cared this deeply about something, and Sable tried not to react. Whatever Kiva wanted that ledger for, it was more important to him than any job he’d ever given her.

She held up her hand. “I vow to not even touch my feet to the floor.��

Pete snorted in annoyance, but Kiva let out a huff of amusement. “I can’t have this theft lead back to me. Your job is to merely find where the ledger is kept. I will do the rest.�� The little green snake stretched its neck out toward Sable and fixed her with dead eyes. “Regardless of how many pretty things the man has, Sable, leave them be.��

She pulled her eyes away from the reptilian gaze. “Even small things?��

“You know Renwen’s brother is head constable, don’t you?�� Pete grumbled.

She glanced at the dwarf. The head constable? That would complicate whatever plan Kiva made for the actual theft. “Of course. Everyone knows that.�� Her own lie felt as cold as Kiva’s, but neither man noticed.

No one ever noticed.

Kiva spread his fingers. The green snake curled around his wrist. “So you see why it’s such a delicate situation.��

“Then why did you send these two?�� Sable gestured to Pete in the corner and Boone outside the door.

Kiva shrugged. “Everyone makes mistakes.�� He fixed her with a piercing look. “Except you, Sable.��

She forced a smile.

Every step of her life for the past ten years had been a mistake.

“Find me the ledger by tonight,�� Kiva said. “I have an important meeting in the Sanctuary.�� The seemingly innocuous words wrapped warmly around her with so much truth Sable clenched her hands together, and Kiva smiled at what must look to him like shock. “But I’ll be back by dusk. I expect your report when I return.��

Everything about him looked as rich and bright as if he stood in full sunlight. The deep blue fabric of his vest revealed threads of rich sapphire. The scales of his snake glittered a brilliant emerald green as it stretched toward her.

Sable stared at him. “The Sanctuary?�� Whatever was going on there, it was as important to him as the ledger. Maybe more important. “I thought the priories had magical defenses to keep thieves out,�� she said, hoping a wry smile covered her surprise.

Kiva shrugged. “Hopefully not for thieves invited by Prioress Eugessa herself.��

Sable’s eyebrows rose. “Congratulations.��

The Sanctuary was the seat of the three Grand Priories that governed the city. An invitation was unheard of for a man as disreputable as Kiva. His efforts to portray himself as a legitimate businessman must be gaining ground.

Kiva gave her his easy smile. “Thank you.�� He leaned forward, and his charm cracked ever so slightly. An almost palpable threat shone through. “Go. Find me the ledger by tonight.��

Sable stood. “Tonight,�� she agreed, keeping her tone easy.

He gave her his smooth, slippery smile. “Always a pleasure working with you, Sable.��

She gave him a slight nod and left before the disgust showed on her face. No one worked with Kiva. They worked for him, under him, or were crushed beneath him, but they never worked with him.

END OF EXCERPT

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Winter, Year 608, Dante Kingdom

EMILIA

Swords clashing, guards shouting, and the commotion from the invasion of the Hellion Empire’s soldiers could easily be heard from Emilia’s tower.

Ever since she reincarnated into a fantasy novel she once read—The Cruel Empire—as a pitiful side character, Emilia was desperate to change her fate. She had staked everything on the ominous night when her character was destined to die.

For the past seventeen years, she knew the exact date when she and the rest of Dante’s Royal Family would be slaughtered. Once she resigned herself to the new chance at living, she decided to change her fate. Years of sneaking around, planning, and waiting would finally pay off or lead to her demise.

Who knew that dying once is not enough?

Looking out of her bedroom window, she saw enemies encroaching on the entrance of the tower led by a blond man clad in mercenary attire. Her royal guards had long since abandoned their posts to protect the king. After all, she was the unneeded, “cursed�� princess. Her sole value to her father was in her engagement to Count Bennett for an iron mine in the south.

Emilia sucked in a deep breath to soothe the brief influx of panic that had her hands trembling. She clutched the skirts of her worn-out dress. Once her breathing was under control, she plastered on a calm expression she had practised before a mirror. As she was not permitted to attend any balls or royal events, she had to rely on her only maid, Ambrose. She brought Emilia books and informed her of everything that went on in the palace until Emilia could build her network of people in secret.

The sound of heavy boots came to a stop outside of her door.

The wooden door swung open.

In the doorway, which suddenly looked too small, stood a man who would either become her saviour or her doom. Dressed in blood-splattered leather armour, his domineering posture was not overshadowed by his good looks or piercing glare.

She crossed her arms and tilted her head to one side. “I was getting tired of waiting, Your Imperial Highness.��

Suspicion never left his green eyes, just like the grip on his sword did not loosen. “Are you the one who wrote that letter to me one year ago?��

“Of course. Who else do you think would bother to stay in this dusty old tower to meet the second prince of the great Hellion Empire?��

In his deep voice that rumbled from deep within his chest, he said, “From what I heard on the way here, you are Dante royalty, Princess Emilia. Or should I call you the Cursed Princess?��

Emilia wrinkled her nose at the ridiculous nickname given to her by the Church of the Holy Light. She had grown accustomed to it over the years, but hearing a possible ally utter it made her gut clench.

She kept her emotions in check. A single wrong word would fulfil her destiny of being a headless corpse by the end of the night, along with the rest of Dante’s royalty. “Your Highness, I have provided you with the perfect date for your coup,”—which would have happened regardless of her involvement—“so now I wish to make a deal with you.��

He raised a brow. “There is no benefit in keeping you alive. Instead of this pointless debate, I should drag you to the throne room and execute you along with your despicable family.��

She swallowed her nerves. The bargain with the Devil had begun. “What if I help you take over this kingdom without needless bloodshed? Would that be enough to change your mind?��

“And how would you do that?��

She lowered her arms and moved to the small dessert table she had Ambrose bring in that morning. Two seats were available, and she took one of them before offering the opposite seat to the prince. “Please, join me.��

The prince sheathed his sword and accepted her offer. He appeared too big for the chair as his muscular frame struggled to fit on her delicate furniture.

Up close, in the reflection of the dancing candlelight, she could see that he was much more handsome than the rumours said. The novel mentioned that his body was covered in scars from many years on the battlefield, but he managed to avoid getting his face cut. Because of that, he was not short on suitors back in the Empire. She couldn’t help giving him a quick study. If she managed to get such a powerful man on her side, she could help him get the Empire’s crown and be rewarded with the freedom she desperately craved. She may even ask for a small piece of fertile land to run an orchard.

“I thought we were going to discuss something…�� His harsh tone startled her.

Emilia fished out an envelope from the pocket of her dress and pushed it across the table to him. As she removed her hand, she added, “This is the list of corrupt nobles who support my father.��

He ripped open the envelope and unravelled the parchment inside. His eyes skimmed over the names. “What would you have me do with these nobles?��

“Since Your Highness is going to take over Dante, I suggest purging those who will be against you.��

“This doesn’t explain why I should keep you alive.��

She smirked. “You are a smart man and, therefore, must know that it would be beneficial for a smooth transition of power if you allow me to live. I have secretly gathered the support of a third of the nobles while you possess the support of those who betrayed the king. If you were to kill me here, you would lose the support of my faction and have to deal with a civil war. Should you consider that to not be enough, I have also gained the trust of certain regions through charity work. Though, my brothers and father were not made aware of this.�� Her smile grew wider. “Thus, I have the support of key regions and nobles that I can offer you should we become allies.��

The prince contemplated her words for a long moment. His poker face hid any hint at what was going on in that head of his, which shook Emilia’s confidence in her gamble. “What do you want out of this?��

“A chance to prove I can be useful to you as well as freedom once you are crowned emperor.��

He chuckled. “Dante is too small to be called an empire.��

She did not waver and met his steely gaze. “I was not talking about Dante.��

“You seem quite confident in your words.��

“If I was not, would I have stayed here long enough for you to capture me?��

Everything she had said was the truth. She wanted Prince Thessian to become the next Emperor of Hellion because the alternative that awaited them was certain death.

After years of trying to figure out which prince she should side with, Thessian seemed like the best choice. The first prince, Cain, had everything. He built up a desolate fishing region of Hellios into a trading hub within five years of his instalment as the duke. There was nothing she could offer him that would make him protect her. The third prince, Kyros, would, eventually, take over the throne through dirty schemes and plots. She couldn’t trust such a man not to stab her in the back one day. Her only choice was the second prince, Thessian. He respected loyalty and was trustworthy. As long as she didn’t destroy the trust between them, she could live a carefree life.

He leant in, resting his weight on one elbow. “Very well, you have my attention, Princess. How do you plan to prove yourself to me?��

“I wish to temporarily rule Dante as regent while Your Highness is busy taking care of the important matters.��

“I already have someone in mind for that position.��

“Ah, yes, Marquess Walden. He is not suited for the job.��

Thessian’s face darkened. “I hope you are not slandering a good man’s name for your own goals.��

As he gripped the hilt of his sword, she quickly handed over a second envelope. “The proof is in there. See for yourself.��

He opened the envelope and skimmed the contents inside.

Emilia struggled to not tap her foot in anticipation.

“Walden was receiving bribes from my brother?�� Although he tried to act indifferent, the anger burning in his eyes was obvious. It would be for the best to never betray Thessian’s trust. “How did you find this out when even my people could uncover nothing?��

“I have my ways.�� She rose from her seat and outstretched her hand to him in an offer of a handshake. “Do we have a deal, Your Highness?��

Thessian got up, towering over her like a marble pillar at the tallest temple. “Do not let me down, Princess.��

They shook hands.

Emilia smiled. The hardest part was over, and she could move on to the next stage of her plan. “If you would excuse me, Your Highness, I wish to rest before the meeting with the lords tomorrow.��

He seemed hesitant to leave but gave a curt nod and strode out of her chambers.

When she was positive he had left the tower along with his knights, she called, “Ambrose.��

Ambrose was not just her maid. She was also a messenger to the Lionhart Guild.

The maid crept out of the false wall next to Emilia’s bed. She had a plain look to not attract too much attention. “Send ravens to the lords. Tell them we have reached an agreement with Prince Thessian.��

“Yes, Your Highness.��

“Wake me in five hours and prepare a black dress. I must look like I am mourning.��

She made her way to the bed, and Ambrose assisted her in removing her tattered dress.

After tonight, Emilia would no longer need to dress or act like a timid fool in front of others. Finally, she was on the path to freedom.

THESSIAN

Outside of the tower, Thessian passed the envelopes to his second-in-command, Sir Laurence Oswald.

Without stopping, he ordered, “Verify the information in those documents as soon as possible and have someone sent to the princess to keep an eye on her.��

Laurence seemed taken aback. “You are not going to kill her?��

“She has given me a reason not to.�� Thessian smiled to himself at the thought of how tough that young lady pretended to be in front of him when her body unconsciously trembled at the sight of his blade. “It will be interesting to see what she does next.��

The palace guard had either been killed or subdued. Dante was considerably smaller than Hellion. Their resistance, too, was nothing compared to his capital. It was good fortune that his elite unit got into the castle without the need for a siege or the death of civilians.

The people of Dante had suffered under their king’s heartless rule.

From the information Thessian collected before the coup, he learned that King Gilebert had raised the nation’s taxes to the point where most peasants were dying outside of the capital. With the harsh and long winter, the harvest season had shortened, and the people were starving. He had seen more than enough suffering of the poor during the war. If he could unify the continent under Hellion’s rule, perhaps the land and the people would one day be able to reach their full potential.

Upon arriving at the throne room where the bodies of the deceased king and his two sons lay in a pool of blood, he noticed the frightened servants that had been captured.

Laurence inquired next to him, “What shall we do about them, Your Highness?��

“Leave them to the princess. We will see what kind of person she is by the way she deals with them.�� Thessian waved for one of the knights in his unit to come over. He made a point to remember every name under his command. This time was no different. “Is this all of them, Cali?��

“We are making one final sweep of the castle, Your Highness,�� came her reply.

“Good. Make sure word of this coup does not leave these walls.�� Thessian glared at the servants who were whispering among themselves.

They immediately stopped and lowered their gazes.

Next, he made his way to the former king’s office.

Gold and rare wood were used to decorate every nook and cranny. It was a sickening sight to see when the citizens starved for such opulent living. Even the throne room of such a small nation was decorated lavishly. Yet, the tower where Princess Emilia lived was barren of decorations or any valuables. The furniture was simple and plain. That girl’s attire had been worn to the point where some threads had come out of the seams. He had to be blind to miss the way she was treated by her so-called family.

Despite that, her natural beauty wasn’t lost on him. Her delicate features and penetrating blue eyes framed by long black hair made her pale skin seem almost ethereal.

Laurence walked to the king’s desk and picked up a stack of papers that were left there. He scanned through them quickly. “Looks like the king was in the process of planning another ball for his sons. He had invited your brother, Prince Kyros, here for the festivities.��

My brother again��

“What relation does Kyros have with King Gilebert?�� Thessian rubbed his stubbly jaw in thought. He had no recollection of King Gilebert being invited to the palace by his father. Did they make an acquaintance after Kyros took over the Spiora duchy?

“My guess is their hobby of frivolous spending aligned,�� Laurence joked.

“According to the information the princess gave me, Kyros also has Marquess Walden in his pocket.��

“That’s odd. We couldn’t uncover anything on the Marquess.��

Thessian nodded. “That’s why I need you to find out the truth. If she lied about the marquess�� involvement with my brother, I’ll remove her.��

Laurence’s expression turned sour. “What if she didn’t lie, and Walden has betrayed you?��

“Then we must secure the evidence of bribery and deal with him accordingly.��

Laurence bowed. “I will start immediately, Your Highness.��

Thessian sighed heavily. “How many times have I told you to call me by my name when we are alone?��

“As many as there are trees in the Fairview Forest.��

“And you still won’t do it?��

“Not unless it is a direct order, Your Highness.��

Thessian glowered at his friend. Laurence knew full well that Thessian hated to order those close to him. He wanted them to work autonomously instead of following his every word.

“Get out of here before I punch you.��

Laurence’s laughter could be heard down the hall as he left for his new mission.

Beyond the window, dawn brightened the sky.

Ever since he received Princess Emilia’s cryptic note about the perfect invasion date, he was amazed to see how easily things fell into place.

How could a confined princess orchestrate a coup of her kingdom to such an extent? Could she see the future? Or was there someone more powerful behind her?

For the moment, he could not place much trust in her. He needed to scrutinize every move she made. As he contemplated that, dozens of black ravens littered the sky.

He smirked. The princess has made her next move.

EMILIA

Emilia woke to Ambrose’s urging calls. She sat up in bed and stared at her hands while Ambrose fussed over the princess�� attire for the day.

After being old enough to realize she had reincarnated in a new body and had a new family, Emilia taught herself the new language and made sure to hide her intellect and her old soul. It did not take long for her to find out that father did not want her and that her brothers were senseless bullies.

Now, at the age of seventeen, almost eighteen, Emilia could finally stop pretending to be a pushover. In the past, she had been used for her brothers�� amusement, hated by the servants, and neglected by the king. The day had finally arrived when she could tear off her mask of misery and hold her head up high.

Mentally, she ticked off the things that had to be done as she climbed out of bed. Dealing with the lords would be the hardest part. There was no doubt in her mind that the lords who had supported her father’s reign would not go down without a fight. In the meantime, she had to make it seem as though she was giving them the opportunity to side with her before removing their privileges. Otherwise, the unnecessary bloodshed would make her allies question her motives later on.

“Your Highness, shall I prepare a bath for you?�� Ambrose asked.

“No need. Let us get started with today’s schedule.��

Ambrose inclined her head and wordlessly helped Emilia into a mourning dress they had ordered weeks in advance from a tailor. Then, she combed the princess�� hair and skilfully organised the unruly ebony locks into an up-do with a few silver silk bands woven in.

Meeting Emilia’s eyes briefly in the reflection of the mirror, Ambrose asked, “How would you like your makeup?��

“Regal but not celebratory.��

Ambrose smiled and applied the cosmetics with utmost care.

“Are you that happy to be done with this tower?�� Emilia inquired despite knowing the answer.

Her maid would no longer need to sneak in or hide out of sight when the Head Maid came around to check if the princess was still among the living.

Emilia was never supposed to leave her tower. The first time she escaped, she nearly broke her neck climbing down a makeshift rope in the middle of the night. Good thing she weighed next to nothing back then.

Once Emilia made some money, she bribed her drunkard guards with enough gold to live out the rest of their miserable lives comfortably. Not like her father paid them enough to care if she ran away in the middle of the night or died from starvation. The king’s neglect was a great boon to her in that regard.

“I am refraining from shouting from the rooftops. Your Highness will no longer be forced to wear dresses that even the moths would not touch or hide your beautiful face.��

Emilia grimaced. She knew full well how she looked to the point it hurt. During one of her trips, she caught a glimpse of her deceased mother’s portrait. They were almost identical. After the queen died during childbirth, the king’s hatred skyrocketed towards Emilia. Not only was she a useless princess, but she also killed the Queen of the nation. The ugly prophecy from the Church of the Holy Light added more fuel to the fire.

“It could not be helped. Appearances had to be kept, and my brothers had to see me as non-threatening or their torment would not stop at petty tricks.��

“I wish I was with you from the start and protected you…��

“It would have made things harder.��

Ambrose solemnly nodded.

Protecting someone requires power.

They both knew the harsh reality all too well.

The morning preparations took nearly an hour. By the time Emilia was ready to step into the palace for the first time in years, the winter sun was already warming the frostbitten ground.

Lastly, Ambrose donned a navy cloak embroidered with silver string onto Emilia’s shoulders and put on a simple brown one on herself. “The air this morning is quite chilly, Your Highness.��

“Thank you.�� Emilia smiled, and they left the tower through the door that led to the bridge that connected to the palace.

Outside, an unfamiliar female knight saluted Emilia. “Good morning, Princess Emilia. I am Dame Cali Louberte. I am here to escort you and be your guard on the orders of His Highness, Prince Thessian.��

Emilia had anticipated a spy to be planted next to her by the prince. After all, there was no way he would trust her right away. She grabbed the knight’s reddened hands and felt the chill through her gloved hands. This dame must have waited for quite some time for them in the cold. Cali was, indeed, dedicated to her duties.

Managing a bright smile, Emilia said, “I am looking forward to having such a beautiful knight protect me from harm.�� She glanced over her shoulder at Ambrose. “When we reach my father’s office, please brew some hot tea for Dame Cali.��

“I couldn’t possibly. T-that would be extremely rude for me to do while on duty!�� Cali turned beetroot red.

Emilia withdrew her hands and raised a dark brow. “Are you looking down on me, Dame Cali?��

Cali straightened her posture, taking on her military stance subconsciously as she folded her arms behind her back. “I wouldn’t dream of it.��

Emilia grinned. “I am glad. Please enjoy a hot drink without a guilty conscience. I could not possibly allow one of His Highness�� people to suffer while they graciously care for me.��

“Thank you, Your Highness,�� Cali replied along with a salute.

Emilia held back a chuckle. She hoped not all of Prince Thessian’s people were so high-strung when dealing with her. Delete Created with Sketch.

Passing through the halls of the royal palace, Emilia began to fully grasp how corrupt her father was.

The late king spent more money on appearances rather than helping restore his kingdom. Although she lived her past life in another world, selfish men like him existed there, too. They sold off their nation’s territory or resources for profit while in office or betrayed the citizens who elected them into power by ignoring their promises.

In her previous life, her eidetic memory was a curse. She excelled at every subject she undertook, but the people around her hated her for it. One of her professors even claimed her thesis as his and published it as his research for peer review. Her parents, instead of siding with her, chose to blame her for the disgrace that brought them. They even asked her, ‘Why would a highly-esteemed lecturer at the top university steal an undergraduate’s thesis? You should think of a better lie if you didn’t want to do the work.��

Her tears and frustration went unheard. Her parents were no better than the ignorant fool of a king she called ‘Father�� in this new life.

At the entrance to the throne room, Emilia spotted a knight who had accompanied Prince Thessian last night to her tower, talking to the guards stationed at the door. It was hard to see his face from above at that time. Now that she had the opportunity, she guessed he was Thessian’s second-in-command, Sir Laurence Oswald.

According to the novel, Sir Laurence was Thessian’s childhood friend and the third son of Marquess Oswald who protected the northern border of the Hellion Empire. Not only were the Oswalds loyal to the emperor, their family had accumulated quite a lot of influence in the military over the years. It was often mentioned in the story how Laurence’s easy-going nature saved Thessian more than once during political events that the prince hated attending.

She produced a smile and greeted him, “Good morning. You must be Sir Laurence.��

He finally took notice of her when the guards stiffened and stopped talking. With a single look at the princess, his eyes briefly widened, and he bowed in greeting.

The guards followed his example.

“Sir Laurence Oswald greets Her Royal Highness, The Flower of Dante, Princess Emilia.�� His chestnut-coloured hair, tied back with a red ribbon, oddly suited his handsome face. Without the bulky armour in the way, he seemed more approachable, too.

“Is this where the captured servants are being kept?��

“Yes. Do you wish to see them?��

Emilia nodded.

TO BE CONTINUED��

Thank you for reading the sample of Queen of Deception. I hope you liked it!