Originally posted by Renee Scattergood:
Even as a young girl, Kandi J Wyatt, had a knack for words. She loved to read them, even if it was on a shampoo bottle! By high school Kandi had learned to put words together on paper to create stories for those she loved. Nowadays, she writes for her kids, whether that’s her own five or the hundreds of students she’s been lucky to teach. When Kandi’s not spinning words to create stories, she’s using them to teach students about Spanish, life, and leadership.Connect with the Author
About the Book
When Duke Callon divorces his wife and decides on an uncanny way of choosing his next duchess, Arianna’s left with little choice. Faced with the intricacies of politics, Arianna struggles to find her place. Just as she thinks she has her footing, a decree, issued with the blessing of her husband, calls for the extermination of her entire race.
A young innocent girl, a capricious duke, and a decree that will change everything. What will it take to save a race?
Follow along in this one of a kind Steampunk Biblical retelling of an Old Testament classic by Kandi J Wyatt.
Available For Pre-order!
Keep reading for an excerpt:
“I saw the duchess today.” Lord Praus sipped from his goblet.
Pasha dabbed her mouth with her napkin before speaking. “What was she like, Father?”
“As always, very beautiful and congenial, but Duke Callon didn’t like that she interrupted a council meeting to inquire about the spring ball.”
Arianna leaned forward. “When is it, Lord Praus?”
“In about three weeks, just before the spring planting. The duchess wanted to decree everyone come in green because the color represents the new growth.”
“That makes sense.” Lady Hemma agreed. “I have several gowns that’d look lovely for the occasion.”
“Don’t get your hopes up, my dear.” Lord Praus laid a hand on his wife’s. “Lord Larkin coughed to cover his amusement, but I’m afraid Lord Trenton laughed out loud. The duke’s face turned such a shade of red!”
Arianna shook her head. “Well, if I was the duchess, I’d make a declaration that all women wear green.”
Pasha giggled. “To match the color of your dress after being in the tree?” She immediately covered her mouth, realizing her error.
Lady Hemma shook her delicate head. “Arianna, how will you ever find a husband, constantly acting like that?”
“Oh, Lady Hemma, I have plenty of time. Besides, I think a husband could put up with some idiosyncrasies as long as his wife could cook, clean, and wash her own clothes.” Arianna winked at Pasha across the table from her.
“That could be,” Lady Hemma agreed, “but I wouldn’t count on it. At eighteen, you’re old enough to control your impulses. From now on, you’ll refrain from such actions. I shouldn’t have to tell you this.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Arianna replied resignedly. She took a bite and then sat up and stared at Lady Hemma with apprehensive eyes. “You haven’t been trying to get anyone to ask for my hand, have you?”
Lord Praus laughed. “Not yet, my dear. Lady Hemma just wants you to be in practice is all.”
“Oh.” Arianna swallowed and hid her embarrassment by taking another bite.
After dinner, they retired to the living room. Lorraine brought in cookies on a platter and everyone had their hot drink of choice. Marcos and Arianna took a seat off to the side where they could talk.
“Lady Hemma’s right.” Marcos bit into his cookie.
“Right about what?” Arianna’s brow furrowed.
Marcos sighed. “Arianna, do you know why I had you move here, away from other Anduvians?”
Arianna shook her head. The loss of her parents and not seeing Uncle Marcos on a daily basis were among the few things that truly saddened her.
“I knew that I couldn’t raise you to be a good wife. I’m an old bachelor. I don’t know the ways of society.”
“But Uncle Marcos,” Arianna protested, “you work in the castle.”
“And as I said at supper, I only see the financial end of things. Arianna, you do need to know how to run a household, but also how to live in polite society, even among the other races. Please, promise me you’ll listen to Lady Hemma.”
Kenden’s laughter filled the room. Arianna glanced over to see Pasha’s smile, then turned back to her uncle. “I promise, Uncle Marcos. I’ll do as you say.”
“Even if it means you can’t climb trees?” Marcos locked gazes with her.
Arianna giggled. “Even then, unless I climb it to save a baby kitten or a little child.”
Marcos chuckled. “That’ll work. It’s getting late, and I’d better head home.”
“Thanks for coming, Uncle Marcos. I miss you when you’re not here.” Arianna hugged her uncle and didn’t let go.
“You are so much like your mother,” he whispered in her ear.
No comments:
Post a Comment