An Intimate History of the Greater Kingdom

Synopsis:

This ongoing web serial brings intimacy to the epic of a royal family, in a style reminiscent of Jane Austen with the erotic intensity of Laurell K. Hamilton.

Sweeping through a thousand years, An Intimate History follows the story of a royal family as it is told to the latest and possibly last heir to its throne. This is the history the history books leave out—royal loves and lusts that changed the course of events.

Only one book in the royal library has the whole story: “An Intimate History of the Greater Kingdom.” This is no ordinary book; its enchantment forces the listener to experience the stories as if he were there. The series follows Prince Temmin of Tremont over the course of ten years, from young adulthood to his coronation as king. Will Temmin be the one who revives the family magic and averts a prophesied disaster to the kingdom? Or will it be the end of the Tremontine empire?

Book Excerpt:

Series Prologue

"Ten years I've been your student, and you still look the same, Teacher."

"That would be because I am still the same, your majesty," replied the Teacher, making a long, graceful bow.

"No, you never change." He walked back into the room from the bay of windows. "Please," he said, gesturing to a seat and settling into a great tufted leather chair himself. "You know why I've asked you to see me tonight."

"Yes," said the Teacher softly. "This is the night I am either saved or my heart breaks forever."

Book One: The Tale of Two Kingdoms

"I promise you that you know me," said Warin in a loud voice. "I am Warin, Prince of Tremont, eldest son of Gethin, and I have come back to take what's mine. Let me in." The captain drew his sword; his men followed suit, as did the Travelers. But Warin did not draw. Instead, he held his hands out to his sides. "Come close to me and tell me you don't know me. Tell me to my face I'm not who I say I am."

The captain approached warily, watching the Travelers for signs of ambush or falsehood. He looked in Warin's face, squinting. "You are very like him, I admit it. But it's been ten years since he's been seen here. How can I be sure?" Warin scanned the parapets until he saw a burning torch. He snatched a flame from it and formed it into a wand of light in his hand. "I've seen other nobles do that," said the captain uncomfortably.

Warin smiled grimly. "And this?" He spread his hands and the wand turned into a long staff. Warin spun it and struck the ground with one end. A wall of flames sprang up around the captain, who screamed in panic. Warin waved his hand; the flames died instantly, but he kept the staff in his hand.

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Book Two: The Queen Who Ruled by Herself

Macca spat the chunk of flesh at Henrik, his blood trickling down her chin and her dagger in her hand. "You, my lord, are a false friend and worse, a traitor. We spoke inside Corharla Hill, and I am bound by my oath to keep this conversation between us. I leave it to you to explain the missing end of your tongue--perhaps," she said in her dry way, "a shaving accident, or better, a peckish whore. You will never, ever approach me alone again or I will kill you where you stand. I've given fair warning. More than that I'm not required to give under both Sairish and Tremontine law. Get up, sir, and get out. We are blood enemies from this moment on."

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Author Comment:

This is an ongoing serial, though it is broken into discrete books. We've just finished book two, but currently book one is the only one available in hard copy. Book three, "The Last Royal Mistress," begins in January 2009. The serial is recommended for 18 and over.

Original Publish Date:

June 1, 2008

Formats:

Paperback Ebook

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