Stephanie McKibben, Author
  • Author S.N.McKibben
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  • A Dirty Blog
  • Author S.N.McKibben
  • Books
  • A Dirty Blog
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Behind the Story of The King's Thief

10/3/2019

 
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Why I wrote The King's Thief

"You can write about dragons or about Chartan," my friend said. Johnny, a 5'9" slim ginger with storm-cloud hazel eyes and dirty blond loose curled hair nodded. "But I want you to write it."

Johnny pulled out a map of Inestra and pointed to the two references on the map. The Dragon Highlands and Quenarre. 

"What are the dragons like?" I asked.

"Intelligent."

"Do they talk?"

"They have their own language but it's not a spoken one."

"Okay." My mind furiously thought about the writing logistics of that. "Do they have riders?"

"They can. But that's like... taming a wild dragon." 

Hmmm. Eargon has that angle surrounded and whatever I wrote, I wanted to have my own twist on it. "Tell me about Quenarre."

That's when Johnny launched into the war between Randisar and Quenarre. Within half-an-hour I had an idea.

"What's around Quenarre..." and I was told about wizards, Inestra's magic and all the different things for the game they had created. 

This all started as Johnny's quest to build a roll playing game based on this world. He wanted a story for it and asked me to write it. 

I had it back to him in two months and at the time they were moving ahead with the game. But as the years passed, Johnny put the whole project on hold, indefinitely. That gave me the permission to publish this on my own and let others read it. 

So this all started as a collaboration of Johnny's world and still continues today with The King's Thief. I have permission to write more about Inestra and things may come about it, but as of today, things are up in the air.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I'm grateful because it set me off into ghost writing and I've written plenty for others. It helps me in my own writing and I love it!

Hopefully, you'll be inclined to take a look at The King's Thief and I invite you to download the book!
get your copy of The King's Thief
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Until next time...

...happy reading!

​~ Stephy
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Downloadable King's Thief Screen Saver (FREE SWAG!)

8/22/2019

 
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I've been known to download artwork for personal use─only when given permission or when I see something on a stock site, of course─and put it up as a screensaver or on as my phone background, so I thought maybe you might like something like that too! 

So I've configured a few screen savers for you! Take a look... 

​We have the realistic images...
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Then I have the artwork commissioned by Cynthia Hlady. Please know that I PAID for these and I am releasing them for personal use only. 
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Now, I'm betting that you like at least one of these and want to download and put it up on your computer or possibly your phone. So I have nifty instructions that tells you how to do that whether your on your desktop, mac, android, IOS system, or webrowser (including Chrome).

Enjoy!

Putting an image on your computer or phone background 

If you're on a desktop computer, most the time you just have to right click on the image, scroll and click on the "set as desktop image" selection and you're done! (P.S. This method doesn't work on chrome)

​Otherwise... download the image then follow these instructions:

WikiHow has instructions with pictures!!

Go here: www.wikihow.com/Make-Any-Picture-Your-Computer%27s-Wallpaper

Otherwise, here is the run down for Desktop, Mac, Android, iOS and setting background images from your internet browser (except chrome for some reason).
​
DESKTOP:
  1. Right-click your desktop and select “Personalize”. This option is at the bottom of the context menu that appears and will take you to the “Personalization” menu. Some sample images will be displayed under the “Choose your picture” header.
  2. For simplified, on-the-fly wallpaper changes, simply right-click a photo on your computer and select “Set as desktop background” from the context menu. This lacks some of the customization options of the Personalization menu.
  3. Click “Browse” to select a photo. You will be prompted to browse the folder on your computer to select an image file.
  4. Click to select a photo and press “Choose Picture”. The photo will be set as your wallpaper and appear in the “Choose your picture” image list.
  5. Select an option from the “Choose your fit” dropdown. This option is useful for images that are smaller or larger than your desktop resolution.
  6. ”Fill” will adjust the image so that there is no blank space around the image.
  7. ”Fit” will adjust the image so that no part of it is cropped out.
  8. ”Tile” will fill all space with repeated copies of the image. This option is best for smaller images.
  9. ”Center” will use the exact size of the image.
  10. Select “Slideshow” from the “Background” dropdown to setup a wallpaper rotation (optional). Once this option is selected you can add pictures to the slideshow by clicking “Browse” and set a rotation interval from the “Change picture every” dropdown.
  11. Press the “X” in the upper right corner to close the window. This finalizes your decision once you have settled on a wallpaper choice and optional settings. The settings are auto-saved as you select them.




ANDROID:
  1. Open the "settings" app.
  2. Tap “Display”. This is listed under the “Device” header and will open a list of options specific to your screen.
  3. Tap “Wallpaper”. This will open a list of places from your phone to select wallpapers.
  4. Options here may vary depending on the model of phone or tablet you are using.
  5. Tap “Photos”. This will open a list of ALL photos on your device, including those located in the Photos app, Downloads, or other third-party apps.
  6. Tap a picture to preview it as a wallpaper.
  7. You can reach this same interface by launching the “Photos” app, tapping a photo to view, opening the options menu (in the upper right), tapping “Use As”, and selecting “Wallpaper”.
  8. Tap and drag the picture to adjust its positioning. You can also pinch or reverse pinch to zoom in and out.
  9. Tap “Set Wallpaper” at the top of the picture. This will set the picture with your selected positioning as your wallpaper.
  10. Tap the back button instead if you decide you do not want the previewed picture as your wallpaper.
  11. Tap “Set Wallpaper” at the top of the picture. This will set the picture with your selected positioning as your wallpaper.




Using iOS Display Settings:
  1. Open the "Settings" app.
  2. Tap "Wallpaper". This button is listed in the sidebar on the left and will open the wallpaper options.
  3. Tap “Choose a New Wallpaper”. You will be taken to the ‘Choose’ page where you can select between Apple wallpapers and pictures stored in your Photos app.
  4. Tap a picture to preview it as a wallpaper.
  5. You can reach this same interface by launching the “Photos” app, tapping a photo to view, opening the “Share” menu in the upper right, and tapping “Use as Wallpaper”.
  6. Tap and drag the picture to adjust its positioning. You can also pinch or reverse pinch to zoom in and out.
  7. Choose your wallpaper settings. The bottom bar lists a number of options on how to use your photo as your wallpaper. Tapping the first 3 will set your photo as a wallpaper.
  8. “Set Lock Screen”: This option will set the photo as your wallpaper only when the device is locked.
  9. “Set Home Screen”: This option will set the photo as your wallpaper only when your device is unlocked at the home screen.
  10. ”Set Both”. This option will set the photo as you wallpaper on both your lock and home screen.
  11. ”Perspective Zoom On/Off”. When on, this will automatically adjust your photo to fit the screen so that the photo scrolls slightly as you tilt your device.
  12. ”Cancel”: This will return you to your previous location without setting the wallpaper.




MAC:
  1. Open the Apple Menu and select “System Preferences”. The Apple Menu is in the left corner of the top menu bar.
  2. Click “Desktop & Screensaver”. This will open the wallpaper and screensaver controls. By default you can choose from Apple sample wallpapers and your pictures folder. [1]
  3. For simplified, on-the-fly wallpaper changes, simply Ctrl + click a photo on your computer and select “Set as desktop background” from the context menu. This lacks some of the customization options of the Display Settings.
  4. Tap the “+” button to add pictures from another location. This button is in the lower right corner of the window and will prompt you to browse your computer for image locations.
  5. Click a picture to set it as your wallpaper. The picture will be set as your wallpaper and can be viewed in the background. You can change the background as many times as you like by selecting other pictures in the browsing window.
  6. Select the “Change picture” checkbox to setup a wallpaper rotation (optional). Once this box is checked, you can select a time interval to decide how often the wallpaper will change from the menu to the right.
  7. This option will use all of the pictures in whichever folder is selected when selecting the checkbox.
  8. Press the “X” in the upper left corner to close the window. This finalizes your decision once you have settled on a wallpaper choice and optional settings. The settings are auto-saved as you select them.




Using images from a web browser:
  1. Choose your browser. Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari[2] can set a desktop image directly from the browser window. On Chrome, images must be downloaded to the hard drive and set as a background image from there.
  2. Images can not be set as wallpapers directly from mobile browsers.
  3. Search for images. It is a good idea to include image size or resolution as part of your search parameters. With Google Image Search this can be done by selecting “Search Tools” under the the search bar and choosing an option from the “Size” dropdown menu.
  4. Click to view an image preview. You can also view the full size image by clicking the “View Image” button next to the preview.
  5. Right-click the image (or Ctrl + click on Mac}} and select “Set as desktop background”. The image will be set as your wallpaper without a preview.
  6. This method will set an image to fill the screen by default.
  7. Right-click the image and select “Save As…” (optional). Select a location on your computer and save to access the image with the wallpaper tools. This options is for Google Chrome users or those who want more control over how the image is used as a wallpaper.
  8. Use the method that corresponds to your platform to use the downloaded image as your wallpaper.​​

​*In light of royalties and copyright laws, this images has been purchased for this particular use. Know that when you download this image, you will not violate an artist's rights as long as you use this work for your personal use. Please do not upload it to another site. It is important to me that artists are paid for their work. Thank you!*  ​

Artwork of The King's Thief

7/25/2019

 
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This month, I thought I'd share the making of The King's Thief Artwork. 

Cynthia Hlady did a fantastic job of bringing my characters to life and she's such a talent to work with. 

I've fully enjoyed her enthusiasm and taking the reins of this project to make it fully alive. 
​
I also wanted to do something fancy-smansy with my blog this month so, I'm experimenting with the features. Thus... slideshow!

*applause & cheering*

Below you'll get to see the first sketches and the finals to get an insight into what went into these beautiful paintings. And I do mean paintings. Cynthia was allowed to go with whatever medium she wanted and she chose to go with acrylic *I believe*. So what you see here are actual paintings.  
Each illustration depicts a scene in the book. Can you tell which ones? 

Until next time...

Enjoy!

​~ Stephy


Don't have your FREE copy of THE KING'S THIEF? Get yours now!
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Lady Dauphine keeps a secret that could restore her country from the clutches of Randish rule.

Yet the noble woman hides under the profitable guise of her courtesan business far from home. For what can one woman do against the zealous lot of religious leaders that hold Quenarre, and all its people, hostage? Only her cousin and the man who saved her life twenty years ago know her true origins.

Though not born from nobility, Chartan LeBeau commands royalty with his demeanor, subdue arguments with the language of silent intimidation, and keep the affections of the last royal descendant of the true king of Quenarre. Yet all his talents do not convince his future queen turned temptress to return with him and command an army to take back her throne. Reverting to his former station of thief, he steals Lady Dauphine and sails for the land of her birthright. But when thief and future queen learn of a court mage’s capture, he tells her to turn back while he attempts a rescue.

Despite “orders” to sail back, Lady Dauphine grows into the leader Quenarre needs in order to save a dear friend thought lost to the cruel Randish Theocracy

Excerpt from The King’s Thief
© 2017 S.N.McKibben
 
Chapter 1

Seducing a man is harder than one might think. Especially if that man is Chartan LeBeau.

I don’t know why the King of Thieves returned to Xaxyia after twenty years, but I recognized him the moment his doe-skin, silver-tipped boots graced my hall.

Already he was gathering attention from my girls. Being the good courtesans that they were, each woman tried to attend him.

A small sense of satisfaction rippled through my chest when he rebuffed them all and headed straight for me. I wondered if he remembered the night he whisked me away, by my uncle’s command, saving me from death. It was the last time I ever saw the King of Quenarre, my uncle. Chartan was one of two people who knew my true origins.

Still, Chartan was dangerous.

I stayed in my chair, frozen by the beauty of him. Long legs, a perfect bulge below his V-shaped torso, hidden behind a rogue’s cape and hood. If you looked carefully, you’d find his riches within his tailor with clothing of soft fineness but not audacious gold. The King of Thieves flaunted nothing.

Though not born from nobility, Chartan knew how to command royalty through his demeanor, subdue arguments with the language of silent intimidation, and keep my affections, though I hadn’t seen him for two decades. Wooing a master seducer such as myself was not easy. He should have been a military commander, but for one reason or another he chose to remain a thief, one that caught the eye of a king… and me, a former Quenarre noblewoman.

I smiled to calm the flutter in my heart and stood to greet him. Perhaps he would not know me after all this time, but even if he suspected, I would not give my identity away easily. I knew the art of pretense now. “Dear Sir, thank you for coming to Courtesan’s guild. How may we pleasure you?”

His eyes were hidden, but his lips curved down slightly at my informal greeting. Coming to a full halt, he bowed. Then his smooth accent had my thighs clench together. “Lady Dauphine, may we speak in private?”

My stomach detached from my belly and came rushing up to my heart. But my smile grew wider, hard as it was to keep from it. “I’m sorry my dear, but I don’t entertain new customers.”

Chartan scanned the room. “I have something of import to discuss with you. I’m not interested in your services.”

I laughed. “That’s the tactic you wish to take. I assure you we are all discreet here. Perhaps you would like to speak to Lady Glen?” He’d better not. Straining to keep from shaking, I motioned to Lady Glen as she passed by. Hearing her name, she immediately came over.

Chartan waved her away. “No, this is for you only.”

“Oh, I bet it is.” I sat, showing I was not some pithy girl to shove around.

He leaned down to my ear and whispered. “I know who you are, Lady Dauphine of Quenarre, noble princess of the house Rouelle. I escorted you to safety here before the overthrow of our King. Do not chuff me off.”

It was not the first time I’d been threatened, nor would it be the last. He would not get away with blackmail. Nor would he see me panic. I kept my heart slow and retorted, “Then you will expose yourself.”

He stood and chuckled.

My nose flared, and I looked up at him. His waist was at the perfect height to unbutton his pants and bring him to his knees, the way a woman who knows what she’s doing can. Our eyes locked. Damn if I am going to give in to him. He infuriated me with his half quirk of a smile, that arrogance. His scent beat at my control.

A pouch appeared in his hand, and he let the contents clink before he placed the money bag between my cleavage. “That should be sufficient to avoid unpleasant speculation.”

He stepped back and motioned his hand to indicate he would follow. I was not a horse to lead. Nor a slave to his whims. But, the side of me that wanted him in my bed snuck reason and excuses to take him to my chambers. Really, what choice did I have with what he threatened? If I refused, he’d call attention to my Rouellean heritage. It wouldn’t take too much time for the rumors to fly across the land to The Randish pope. My fate would be sealed. I’d probably be dead in a matter of weeks.

Painting on my nonchalant smile, I played demure host and did as he bade. Passing my bodyguards, Luca and John, I gave them the signal to interrupt us in two minutes.

Luca nodded. My personal security were more than brutes. They understood subtly.

Down the corridor, Chartan’s smooth voice resumed battering against the stronghold of my heart. “How much time do I have before your men crash in?”

I turned up the spiral stairs and said nothing.

“I’m guessing a few minutes,” he said. “No matter. You’ll hear what I have to say.”

I wanted to grit my teeth. Damn thief.

We crossed the hallway where several of my girls were hard at work pleasuring their clients. It was impossible to pass a door without hearing the particulars of a client’s needs. The sound of a slap on flesh halted my motion. I listened at the door from where it came. If a man was being too harsh with any of my women, I wouldn’t have him back. Another slap. My hand rested on the door knob.

“You like that, hun? You like being ruffed up?” The woman’s muffled voice belonged to Lady Andrea.

“Yes.” Responded a breathy male voice. “Please, again.”

Slap.

Apparently, Duke Undore paid for a woman’s stinging scorn. Good to know.

I smiled, backed away, and continued down the corridor. Chartan waited for me with piercing eyes. Taking the stairs to the second floor, I turned into the hallway and reached under my sleeve.

“Stop.” Chartan’s deep voice halted me.

“You’ve been a larcenist too long, LeBeau.” I continued to door number twelve. This was where I played with clients and teased secrets from their souls. I pulled out the iron key to my door and showed him. “I hope you hold no dangerous value in a chunk of metal.”

“Chunks of metal, as you say, have killed men before.” Chartan took the key and inserted it into the lock. He opened the door and stepped back.

As I tried to go forward, Chartan threw his arm out and waggled a finger at me. “Not yet my courtesan.” His grin didn’t reach his eyes.

The thief’s touch was my exquisite pleasure. A genuine smile parted my lips. He took me seriously. I crossed my arms and pursed my lips in defiance.

Heart tearing itself apart but understanding what I had to do, my inner most desire pleaded with me to take him to my bosom and show him he did not need all these precautions, not with me. But it would be a lie. I would go to any length to protect my identity. If I was found out as a Rouellean it wouldn’t be long before the Theocracy of the Randish would spill my blood.

Chartan freed a dagger from inside his cape and, using the tip of his blade, opened the door wide. He looked inside, up then down, and finally between the hinges of the door.

I sighed in feigned disgust, but he had every right to be suspicious. “Have a lot of enemies?”

He went inside, quiet as a stalking cat, and swept the room.

While he was preoccupied with his security check, I walked inside and closed the door—slowly. Reaching under my sleeves, I grabbed my throwing sticks, one for each hand. I positioned the thin, three-edged, dowel-like weapons ready to turn and deploy.

My movement swift, my aim true, I lobbed the blades at Chartan’s heart.

The thief deflected one and caught the other. Then, faster than I could blink, slammed me against the wall. The point of my own dagger scraping against my chin.

Despite my attempt to kill him, Chartan’s smile was hearty and his eyes sparkled to life. “My King was right.”

“About what?”

“You are truly the right choice.”

“For what?”

“To regain the crown and return Quenarre to its glory.”

His words stung.

Quenarre. My beloved home. The land that stole my life. “I’ll never return to that place.”
“You will return, and you will rule.”

Luca pounded the door open and rushed in.

Chartan flew back, hopped in the air, and folded himself forward while sailing through the open window—backward. His flight took a blink of an eye, and he was gone before John could join Luca in my room.

My personal security, Luca, eyed me up and down, checking for any harm that may have come to me. “My Lady?”

“I’m fine.”

“We’ll chase after him.” Luca peered out the window.

“Don’t contemplate jumping after LeBeau.” If Luca did catch up to Chartan, I’d lose a bodyguard. “Besides, he paid for my time.”

I reached for the bag of coin Chartan had lusciously shoved down my corset.

It wasn’t there. I reached further in. Nothing. The money was gone.

My blood boiled. “Chartan!” I slammed the window sill.

​LeBeau was a mile away by now, but his chuckle rang in my ears. He would not win. I would never go back to Quenarre. As for his blackmail threat… if he wanted to fight in the game of espionage, he’d found a formidable opponent.
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Downloadable Bookmark from The King's Thief

5/30/2019

 
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You are my true fan!

I know this because you either got here from my email directing you, you know to check every Thursday for updates, or you followed a link from social media─in which case, you follow me there. 

Either way, this "extra" week in May gives me a chance to break from the normal and offer you a digital download! 

If you've been reading my blogs for a while, you know that Cynthia Hlady and I create illustrations for these stories. I own the rights to the images and can use them as I like. It gets Cynthia's work noticed and I get character images for my stories. 

The illustration above is an example of the front and back of a bookmark I made (with Cynthia's character sketch of Lady Dauphine) for THE KING'S THIEF.

Download it with my blessing, but if you want to give back for the freebie, share this post to social media (you'll find share buttons on the right side of your screen).

Really, I just want you to have something from my book to have. 

​Below is a file you can download then print or upload to your computer or phone. Instructions on how to do that follows. Happy printing!
bookmark-download.docx
File Size: 342 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Follow the instructions below to print out your own bookmark!

Click the "Download File" above.
Click cntl J to get to your downloads.
Click "show in folder" on the "bookmark-download.docx".
Right Click on the file named "bookmark-download.docx".
Scroll to "print".
Uncheck the "Fit picture to frame" box.
Hit the print button. 
Voila! Bookmark printed! Fold or cut the edges to your preference.
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Follow the instructions below to set as your Desktop/Phone/Tablet background

If you're on a desktop computer, most of the time you just have to right click on the image, scroll and click on the "set as desktop image" selection and you're done! (P.S. This method doesn't work on chrome).

​Otherwise... download the image then follow these instructions:


WikiHow has instructions with pictures!!

Go here: www.wikihow.com/Make-Any-Picture-Your-Computer%27s-Wallpaper

Otherwise, here is the run down for Desktop, Mac, Android, iOS and setting background images from your internet browser (except chrome for some reason).
​
DESKTOP:
Right-click your desktop and select “Personalize”. This option is at the bottom of the context menu that appears and will take you to the “Personalization” menu. Some sample images will be displayed under the “Choose your picture” header.
For simplified, on-the-fly wallpaper changes, simply right-click a photo on your computer and select “Set as desktop background” from the context menu. This lacks some of the customization options of the Personalization menu.
Click “Browse” to select a photo. You will be prompted to browse the folder on your computer to select an image file.
Click to select a photo and press “Choose Picture”. The photo will be set as your wallpaper and appear in the “Choose your picture” image list.
Select an option from the “Choose your fit” dropdown. This option is useful for images that are smaller or larger than your desktop resolution.
”Fill” will adjust the image so that there is no blank space around the image.
”Fit” will adjust the image so that no part of it is cropped out.
”Tile” will fill all space with repeated copies of the image. This option is best for smaller images.
”Center” will use the exact size of the image.
Select “Slideshow” from the “Background” dropdown to setup a wallpaper rotation (optional). Once this option is selected you can add pictures to the slideshow by clicking “Browse” and set a rotation interval from the “Change picture every” dropdown.
Press the “X” in the upper right corner to close the window. This finalizes your decision once you have settled on a wallpaper choice and optional settings. The settings are auto-saved as you select them.




ANDROID:
Open the "settings" app.
Tap “Display”. This is listed under the “Device” header and will open a list of options specific to your screen.
Tap “Wallpaper”. This will open a list of places from your phone to select wallpapers.
Options here may vary depending on the model of phone or tablet you are using.
Tap “Photos”. This will open a list of ALL photos on your device, including those located in the Photos app, Downloads, or other third-party apps.
Tap a picture to preview it as a wallpaper.
You can reach this same interface by launching the “Photos” app, tapping a photo to view, opening the options menu (in the upper right), tapping “Use As”, and selecting “Wallpaper”.
Tap and drag the picture to adjust its positioning. You can also pinch or reverse pinch to zoom in and out.
Tap “Set Wallpaper” at the top of the picture. This will set the picture with your selected positioning as your wallpaper.
Tap the back button instead if you decide you do not want the previewed picture as your wallpaper.
Tap “Set Wallpaper” at the top of the picture. This will set the picture with your selected positioning as your wallpaper.




Using iOS Display Settings:
Open the "Settings" app.
Tap "Wallpaper". This button is listed in the sidebar on the left and will open the wallpaper options.
Tap “Choose a New Wallpaper”. You will be taken to the ‘Choose’ page where you can select between Apple wallpapers and pictures stored in your Photos app.
Tap a picture to preview it as a wallpaper.
You can reach this same interface by launching the “Photos” app, tapping a photo to view, opening the “Share” menu in the upper right, and tapping “Use as Wallpaper”.
Tap and drag the picture to adjust its positioning. You can also pinch or reverse pinch to zoom in and out.
Choose your wallpaper settings. The bottom bar lists a number of options on how to use your photo as your wallpaper. Tapping the first 3 will set your photo as a wallpaper.
“Set Lock Screen”: This option will set the photo as your wallpaper only when the device is locked.
“Set Home Screen”: This option will set the photo as your wallpaper only when your device is unlocked at the home screen.
”Set Both”: This option will set the photo as you wallpaper on both your lock and home screen.
”Perspective Zoom On/Off”: When on, this will automatically adjust your photo to fit the screen so that the photo scrolls slightly as you tilt your device.
”Cancel”: This will return you to your previous location without setting the wallpaper.




MAC:
Open the Apple Menu and select “System Preferences”. The Apple Menu is in the left corner of the top menu bar.
Click “Desktop & Screensaver”. This will open the wallpaper and screensaver controls. By default you can choose from Apple sample wallpapers and your pictures folder. [1]
For simplified, on-the-fly wallpaper changes, simply Ctrl + click a photo on your computer and select “Set as desktop background” from the context menu. This lacks some of the customization options of the Display Settings.
Tap the “+” button to add pictures from another location. This button is in the lower right corner of the window and will prompt you to browse your computer for image locations.
Click a picture to set it as your wallpaper. The picture will be set as your wallpaper and can be viewed in the background. You can change the background as many times as you like by selecting other pictures in the browsing window.
Select the “Change picture” checkbox to setup a wallpaper rotation (optional). Once this box is checked, you can select a time interval to decide how often the wallpaper will change from the menu to the right.
This option will use all of the pictures in whichever folder is selected when selecting the checkbox.
Press the “X” in the upper left corner to close the window. This finalizes your decision once you have settled on a wallpaper choice and optional settings. The settings are auto-saved as you select them.




Using images from a web browser:
Choose your browser. Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari[2] can set a desktop image directly from the browser window. On Chrome, images must be downloaded to the hard drive and set as a background image from there.
Images can not be set as wallpapers directly from mobile browsers.
Search for images. It is a good idea to include image size or resolution as part of your search parameters. With Google Image Search this can be done by selecting “Search Tools” under the the search bar and choosing an option from the “Size” dropdown menu.
Click to view an image preview. You can also view the full-size image by clicking the “View Image” button next to the preview.
Right-click the image (or Ctrl + click on Mac) and select “Set as desktop background”. The image will be set as your wallpaper without a preview.
This method will set an image to fill the screen by default.
Right-click the image and select “Save As…” (optional). Select a location on your computer and save to access the image with the wallpaper tools. This options is for Google Chrome users or those who want more control over how the image is used as a wallpaper.
Use the method that corresponds to your platform to use the downloaded image as your wallpaper.​​
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What is a Rantholic? Irregular Words and Terms from The King's Thief

4/25/2019

 
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enter the sweepstakes!

Get YOUR copy of THE KING'S THIEF 

Click the button above! 

* /END Shameless plug * 

What is a Rantholic?

I've talked before about words unique to THE KING'S THIEF before. 

Well, here's another word that might trip up those who don't know. 

Rantholic.

Don't remember this word in the story? Let me give you a snippet of where it is!

​*Any reason to give you a teaser, right!*

THE KING'S THIEF Excerpt


The two soldiers tipped their heads, and one of them called for others. Detrien squeezed my hand and winked. “Easy as stroking a cat.”

I let out my tension. “You could have told me you were known here.”

“Didn’t I mention I’d been back to Rouelle?”

He had in passing. “You are a brute for torturing me so.”

He chuckled and for that brief moment I was home.

“The problem is getting to the palace alive.” Detrien scanned the crowd. “Any moment they’ll recognize me, and we’ll be the middle of a crush.”

A line of twenty metal-suit escorts surrounded our party, and we walked forward. The rogues had covered their faces the moment they realized they might come under scrutiny. With this many people they didn’t know, the men were edgy. Torg remained in front and scanned the crowd keeping his hand over the pommel of his dagger. The others hunched over, trying to melt into their saddles. But people stayed focused on Detrien… our companions wouldn’t be remembered.

Once people saw my cousin, the whisper mill began, and jittering energy consumed the streets. It grew into a frenzy to take a gander at the singer. People jostled against each other, following our small caravan, staring. I was sure our guides were the only thing preventing dirty faced admirers mobbing Detrien. My cousin walked with a raised chin, eyes straight, hands loose, and shoulders relaxed. He gave the people no eye contact, which for him was unusual. He loved people, loved talking with them. Our walks in Xaxyia had became strolls due to Detrien’s nature of entertaining friends and passers-by taking precedence.

“Don’t stare at them,” Detrien said. “They’re likely to rush the guards if you do.”

But I could not help looking at them. The drab clothing they wore and their scrambling reminded me of rats in the streets. The stench of too many bodies in one place became overwhelming. The further in, the worse it got. The pike-men lowered their weapons as they walked beside us, making us a path. A construction I’d never seen, a wall around the palace, came into view. During my time nothing separated the people from the monarchy. While sentinels were posted, the inhabitants of the city were civil during my uncle’s time as ruler.

I saw a boy of maybe fifteen years of age climb the seven-foot wall and crouch on top watching Detrien with soulful eyes. He was as filthy as the grownups but with his innocence still intact. He looked at Detrien as if he were a god. I heard someone yell for the boy to get down and from the opposite side of the wall I saw the butt end of a pike strike the boy’s head.

I gasped and clutched my steed’s mane watching the boy fall and then disappear behind a crowd of people. “The boy!” 

“Dauphine.” Detrien clutched my hand. “Ride.”

“But the boy.”

Detrien shook his head. “It’s too late for him.”

My heart reeled back at the malice in his voice. He blamed these people for the crimes of their regime. Perhaps my cousin burned for the destruction of the Randish more than I believed.
Once past the wall, the palace was more civil. The gate locked, and I halted my steed. Turning to the soldier next to me I said, “Sir, please, a good Rantholic would check on that boy even if he deserved reprimand.”

​The guard turned his steely gaze to me, and we locked eyes.

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So now you have context. 

And now I will give this simple explanation. 

My editor said she didn't understand the meaning. But it was my crit partner that eluded to making this a word. 

Here's the background.

Lady Dauphine is in Randish territory.

The Randish are super Catholic. Like beyond Catholic's. Their lives are a "celebration" of god. There is nothing else. You don't marry your spouse, you marry god. 

So Rantholic is a play on Catholic. 

For all catholic's out there that want a piece of me, please take in mind that this world is already in place and is not mine. It's a game, that sadly, might never be. But I have the honor of telling the story of said game and so I shall keep to the confines of the game's rules. 

So, that's the easy explanation. 

Does it make sense now?

Still don't get it?

Wish you never heard of it?

But if you're looking for more and want to read the story, don't bother looking for it on Amazon. Or Apple. Or Google play. Or anywhere. Because the only place you will find this story, and for FREE, is by joining the sweepstakes. 

Want more information? GO HERE or click the button below!
Enter the Sweepstakes!
Until next time!

Happy reading!

~ Stephy

The Meaning behind The King's Thief

4/11/2019

 
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“Narcissistic, arrogant, gallish mage.”
I don't ever think I'll tire of this image when I think of Bowden.

Long & Lean. 

This also brings me to why I wrote this article. When going through my manuscript, my editor asked me "What does gallish mean?" it made me go back to the scene where Chartan was teasing Bowden. I'll expand just in case you haven't read THE KING'S THIEF in which case, get thee to THE KING'S THIEF SWEEPSTAKES right now!

No, really. I mean it. We'll wait.

Okay, for everyone who has read The King's Thief, here's the scene:
​© S.N.McKibben
Excerpt from THE KING'S THIEF

“Bowden…” I framed my loose curls around his face. “I promise to make up for this horrible place. You’ll come with me to Xaxyia, you’ll have the best food, wine from all trades of the globe, any woman from my stable—all of them, just stay alive.”

He smiled wide, then his mirth fell. “From your stable?”

“She’s guild master of the courtesans.” Chartan bent a knee and examined the mage.

Bowden slid a venomous gaze to Chartan, raised his arm, and wrapped his hand around Le Beau’s neck. The mage, too weak to do any damage, barely kept his hold. Amazingly, Chartan did not try to stop him.

“You let her become a courtesan?” Bowden’s fury was going to keep him alive, so I didn’t argue.

“I let her choose her own destiny.” Chartan took hold of Bowden’s wrist and moved out of the mage’s grip.

“When I’m stronger, we will discuss your failures later.” Bowden folded his arm over his chest.

“Narcissistic, arrogant, gallish mage.” Chartan softened the words with affection. “You could have dropped in on her at any time.”

“Conceited, self-important, vain thief.” A faint smile emerged from Bowden’s lips. “You were charged with protecting her.”

Chartan chuckled, and Bowden listed his head to the side. Like most mages, Bowden slept with his eyes half open.

Okay, so now that your memory is refreshed, and if you too were wondering what the hell did he mean by gallish? Or thought the author (me) spelled galling wrong, then you're in the right place. 

Let me explain.

​First, this is a fantasy world. Please take that in mind. 

Gallish is a play on galling meaning vexing. 

Why didn't I use vexing?

Because this is a FANTASY world and in this FANTASY world there are Gauls. 

BEFORE you go rushing to the map of Inestra with your microscopes let me save you some time. You will not find Gaul on the map. In fact, you only get a 4th of the map in the book. I limited the map to relevant areas. Gaul was not one of them. Maybe it should be, but no. 

Gallish is a play on Gauls, yes, but what are Gauls? 

I actually don't want to say, yet.

Yes, it's a cop-out but I have an idea of what they are though I'm not ready to reveal them. Perhaps in the future I will. If the book is well received, there is a story-line and a chance for more books in the Inestra world. If not, then all you need to know is that gallish means "you're standing on my last nerve". 

If this isn't enough of an explanation, perhaps this would be a good time to get in on the V.I.R. Lounge and send me an email.  

Of course if you want your own copy of THE KING'S THIEF, you can join by clicking the button below and entering in the Sweepstakes! 
Enter the Sweepstakes!
Upon entry you will receive an email with a link to get the FREE ebook download. It's an awesome value because I am not selling the ebook anywhere. It's my exclusive gift to you. This story is special and only my best fans get to read it. 

It's up to you whether you want to be a V.I.R. but you'll never know if you're missing something unless you give it (and me) a try! 

To my already V.I.R. ─ thank you. I hope you loved the book as much as I had fun writing it! Go ahead and get another entry by clicking the button above and ticking the "click here for another entry" so you can rack up the chances of winning! 

Until next time!

​~ Stephy

New Release: The King's Thief

3/28/2019

 

Scroll down to get this book for FREE!

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Blurb

Lady Dauphine keeps a secret that could restore her country from the clutches of Randish rule.

Yet the noble woman hides under the profitable guise of her courtesan business far from home. For what can one woman do against the zealous lot of religious leaders that hold Quenarre, and all its people, hostage? Only her cousin and the man who saved her life twenty years ago know her true origins.

Though not born from nobility, Chartan LeBeau commands royalty with his demeanor, subdue arguments with the language of silent intimidation, and keep the affections of the last royal descendant of the true king of Quenarre. Yet all his talents do not convince his future queen turned temptress to return with him and command an army to take back her throne. Reverting to his former station of thief, he steals Lady Dauphine and sails for the land of her birthright. But when thief and future queen learn of a court mage’s capture, he tells her to turn back while he attempts a rescue.

Despite “orders” to sail back, Lady Dauphine grows into the leader Quenarre needs in order to save a dear friend thought lost to the cruel Randish Theocracy.

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I want you to know I'm opening this sweepstakes early for you! It gets promoted starting April 1st, 2019. So you get it before everyone else! 

HOW TO GET THE BOOK FREE

YOU CAN NOT BUY THIS BOOK.

You won't find the ebook for sale anywhere. I plan on having print copies for a sweepstakes giveaway, but this book is an exclusive S.N.McKibben story for my dedicated reader's group. 

You know you want to be on this author's list! 

Because I have things in the works coming down the pipeline. And this story is ♨ HOT! ♨

​Ready for it now? Click the button below.
Enter the sweepstakes, get the book!
Or maybe you want a taste?
Scroll down for a snippet!

© S.N.McKibben

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, with the exception of a reviewer who may quote passages in a review, without written prior permission from the publisher.

THE KING'S THIEF

Chapter 1


Seducing a man is harder than one might think. Especially if that man is Chartan LeBeau.

I don’t know why the King of Thieves returned to Xaxyia after twenty years, but I recognized him the moment his doe-skin, silver-tipped boots stepped into my hall.

Already he was gathering attention from my girls. Being the good courtesans that they were, each woman tried to attend him.

A small sense of satisfaction rippled up my chest when he rebuffed them all and headed straight for me. I wondered if he remembered the night he whisked me away, by my uncle’s command, saving me from death. It was the last time I ever saw the King of Quenarre, my uncle. Chartan was one of two people who knew my true origins.

Still, Chartan was dangerous.

I stayed in my chair, frozen by the beauty of him. Long legs, a perfect bulge below his V-shaped torso, hidden behind a rogue’s cape and hood. If you looked carefully, you’d find his riches within his tailor. Clothing of soft fineness but not audacious gold. The King of Thieves flaunted nothing.

Though not born from nobility, Chartan knew how to command royalty through his walk, subdue arguments with the language of silent intimidation, and keep my affections, though I hadn’t seen him for two decades. Wooing a master seducer such as myself was not easy. He should have been a military commander, but for one reason or another he chose to remain a thief. A thief that caught the eye of a king…and me, a former Quenarre noblewoman.

I smiled to calm the flutter in my heart and stood to greet him. Perhaps he would not know me after all this time, but even if he suspected, I would not give my identity away easily. I knew the art of pretense now. “Dear Sir, thank you for coming to Courtesan’s guild. How can we pleasure you?”

His eyes were hidden but his lips curved down slightly at my informal greeting. Coming to a full halt he bowed. Then his smooth accent had my thighs clench together. “Lady Dauphine, may we speak in private?”

My stomach detached from my belly and came rushing to my throat. But my smile grew wider, hard as it was to keep it. “I’m sorry my dear, but I don’t entertain new customers.”

Chartan scanned the room. “I have something of import to discuss with you, I’m not interested in your services.”

I laughed. “That’s the tactic you wish to take. I assure you we are all discreet here. Perhaps you would like to speak to Lady Glen?” He’d better not. Straining to keep from shaking I pointed to Lady Glen as she passed by. Hearing her name she immediately came over.

Chartan waved her away. “No, this is for you only.”

“Oh, I bet it is.” I sat, showing I was not some pithy girl to shove around.

He stepped closer to me, leaned down to my ear and whispered. “I know who you are Lady Dauphine of Quenarre, noble princess of the house Rouelle. I escorted you to safety here before the overtaking of our King. Do not chuff me off.”

It was not the first time I’d been threatened, nor would it be the last. But I was the ultimate impendent. He would not get away with blackmail. Nor would he see me panic. I kept my heart slow and retorted, “Then you will expose yourself.”
He stood and chuckled.

My nose flared and I looked up at him. His waist was at the perfect height to unbutton his pants and bring him to his knees, the way a woman who knows what she’s doing can. Our eyes locked and damn if I was going to give in to him. That infuriating half quirk of a smile. That arrogance. His scent beating at my control.

A pouch appeared in his hand and he let the contents clink before he placed the money bag between my cleavage. “That should be sufficient to avoid unpleasant speculation.”

He stepped back and motioned his hand to indicate he would follow. I was not a horse to lead. Nor a slave to his whims. But, the side of me that wanted him in my bed snuck reason and excuses to take him to my chambers. Really, what choice did I have with what he threatened? If I refused he’d call attention to my Roullean heritage. It wouldn’t take too much time for the rumors to fly across the land to The Randish pope. My fate would be sealed. I’d probably be dead in a matter of weeks.

Painting on my nonchalant smile, I played demure host and did as he bade. Passing my guards, I gave them the signal to interrupt us in two minutes.

Luca nodded. My personal guard was more than a brute. He understood.

Down the corridor, Chartan’s smooth voice resumed battering against the stronghold of my heart. “How much time do I have before your guards crash it?”

I turned up the spiral stairs and said nothing.

“I’m guessing a few minutes,” he said. “No matter. You’ll hear what I have to say.”

I wanted to grit my teeth. Damn thief.

We crossed the hallway where several of my girls were hard at work pleasuring their clients. I couldn’t pass a door without hearing the particulars of a client’s needs. The sound of a slap on flesh halted my motion. I listened at the door where it came from. If a man was being too harsh with any of my women I wouldn’t have him back. Another slap. My hand rested on the door knob.

“You like that, hun? You like being ruffed up?” The woman’s muffled voice belonged to Lady Andrea.

“Yes.” Responded a breathy male voice. “Please, again.”

Slap.

Apparently, Duke Undore found his pleasure from women giving him pain. Good to know.
I smiled, backed away and continued down the corridor. Chartan waited for me with piercing eyes. Taking the stairs to the second floor, I turned into the hallway and reached under my sleeve.

“Stop.” Chartan halted me.

“You’ve been a larcenist too long, LeBeau.” I continued to door number twelve. This was where I played with clients and teased secrets from their souls. I pulled out the iron key to my door and showed him. “I hope you hold no dangerous value in a chunk of metal.”

“Chucks of metal, as you say, have killed men before.”

Chartan took the key and inserted it into the lock. He opened the door and stepped back.
Trying to go forward Chartan threw his arm out and waggled a finger at me. His touch was my exquisite pleasure.

A genuine smile parted my lips. He took me seriously. I crossed my arms and pursed my lips in defiance.

Chartan took the key and inserted it into the lock. He opened the door and stepped back.

“Not yet my courtesan.” The smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Heart tearing itself apart knowing what I had to do, my inner most desire pleaded with me to take him to my bosom and show him he did not need all these precautions, not with me. But it would be a lie. I would go to any length to protect my identity. If I was pointed out as a Rouellean it wouldn’t be long before the Theocracy of the Randish would spill my blood.

Chartan freed a dagger from inside his cape and pushed the door wide open with the tip. He looked inside, up then down and finally through the crack of the door.

I sighed in feigned disgust but he had every right to be suspicious.

“Have a lot of enemies?” I said.

He went inside, quiet as a stalking cat, and swept the room.

While he was preoccupied with his security check I closed the door—slowly. Reaching under my sleeves, I grabbed my throwing sticks, one for each hand. Thin, with three edges, shaped almost like a dowel I positioned to turn and deploy.

My movement swift, my aim true I lopped the weapons at Chartan’s heart.

The thief deflected one and caught the other. Then slammed me against the wall. The point of my own dagger scrapping against my chin.

Despite my attempt to kill him, Chartan’s smile was hearty and his eyes sparkled to life. “My King was right.”

“About what?”

“You are truly the right choice.”

“For what?”

“To regain the crown and return Quenarre to it’s glory.”

His words stung.

Quenarre.

My beloved home.

The land that stole my life.

“I’ll never return to that place.”

“You will return and you will rule.”

My guards pounded the door open and rushed in.

Chartan flew backwards, hopped in the air, and folded himself forward while sailing through the open window—backward. His flight took a blink of an eye and then he was gone before the guards were down the hall.

My personal security, Luca, eyed me up and down, checking for any harm that may have come to me. “My Lady?”

“I’m fine.”

“We’ll chase after him.” Luca peered out the window.

“Don’t contemplate jumping after LeBeau.” If Luca did catch up to Chartan I’d lose a guard. “Besides, he paid for my time.”

I reached for the bag of coin Chartan lusciously shoved down my corset.

It wasn’t there. I reached further in. Nothing. The money was gone.

My blood boiled. “Chartan!” I slammed the window.

​LeBeau was a mile away by now but his chuckle rang in my ears. He would not win. I would never go back to Quenarre. As for his blackmail threat… if he wanted to fight in the game of espionage, he’d found a formidable opponent.
complete the story, click here!
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P.S. You'll be entered in a sweepstakes drawing AND get a #free ebook. Bonus! Details will be revealed once you enter the V.I.R. Lounge.

Help Me Choose A Book Cover For The Kings Thief

1/31/2019

 
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Lady Dauphine illustrated by Cynthia Hlady
This image, by far was the favorite by you guys of Cynthia's illustrations for THE KING'S THIEF. And while I thought about using it for the cover, I feel this story needs something comparable to the market in its genre. 

So... I have THREE favorites that I'm trying to choose from. 

But there's an issue... 

We have a time limit! 

I'll post the winner here when the poll is complete, but I need for you to give me your votes ASAP!

We have until the end of SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2nd, 2019. 

YES! I KNOW! It's not a lot of time. That's why this call to arms is so urgent! Get me your input NOW! It will take no more than three minutes, tops. Then, if you want to review the story (unedited) then click "The King's Thief" in the categories on the right → → → → → →
 OR scroll down below for the first chapter as I've revised it.

Take a look at the covers below then scroll down to VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!

Click on the cover for a larger image.

Cover A

Picture

Cover B

Picture

Cover C

Picture

    Which Cover Interests You the Most?

    Only one choice can be made, but you can leave a comment below...
    Tell me why you chose that cover...
Submit
Thank you so much for your participation! 
Below is the revised first chapter. I still haven't gotten it to a copy editor so you might find spelling, grammar, punctuation errors, but let me know in the comments and I'll fix it in the final manuscript. THANK YOU!
Happy reading!
~ Stephy 
Seducing a man is harder than one might think. Especially if that man is Chartan LeBeau.

I don’t know why the King of Thieves returned to Xaxyia after twenty years, but I recognized him the moment his doe-skin, silver-tipped boots stepped into my hall.

Already he was gathering attention from my girls. Being the good courtesans that they were, each woman tried to attend him.

A small sense of satisfaction rippled up my chest when he rebuffed them all and headed straight for me. I wondered if he remembered the night he whisked me away, by my uncle’s command, saving me from death. It was the last time I ever saw the King of Quenarre, my uncle. Chartan was one of two people who knew my true origins.

Still, Chartan was dangerous.

I stayed in my chair, frozen by the beauty of him. Long legs, a perfect bulge below his V-shaped torso, hidden behind a rogue’s cape and hood. If you looked carefully, you’d find his riches within his tailor. Clothing of soft fineness but not audacious gold. The King of Thieves flaunted nothing.

Though not born from nobility, Chartan knew how to command royalty through his walk, subdue arguments with the language of silent intimidation, and keep my affections, though I hadn’t seen him for two decades. Wooing a master seducer such as myself was not easy. He should have been a military commander, but for one reason or another he chose to remain a thief. A thief that caught the eye of a king…and me, a former Quenarre noblewoman.

I smiled to calm the flutter in my heart and stood to greet him. Perhaps he would not know me after all this time, but even if he suspected, I would not give my identity away easily. I knew the art of pretense now. “Dear Sir, thank you for coming to Courtesan’s guild. How can we pleasure you?”

His eyes were hidden but his lips curved down slightly at my informal greeting. Coming to a full halt he bowed. Then his smooth accent had my thighs clench together. “Lady Dauphine, may we speak in private?”

My stomach detached from my belly and came rushing to my throat. But my smile grew wider, hard as it was to keep it. “I’m sorry my dear, but I don’t entertain new customers.”

Chartan scanned the room. “I have something of import to discuss with you, I’m not interested in your services.”

I laughed. “That’s the tactic you wish to take. I assure you we are all discreet here. Perhaps you would like to speak to Lady Glen?” He’d better not. Straining to keep from shaking I pointed to Lady Glen as she passed by. Hearing her name she immediately came over.

Chartan waved her away. “No, this is for you only.”

“Oh, I bet it is.” I sat, showing I was not some pithy girl to shove around.

He stepped closer to me, leaned down to my ear and whispered. “I know who you are Lady Dauphine of Quenarre, noble princess of the house Rouelle. I escorted you to safety here before the overtaking of our King. Do not chuff me off.”

It was not the first time I’d been threatened, nor would it be the last. But I was the ultimate impendent. He would not get away with blackmail. Nor would he see me panic. I kept my heart slow and retorted, “Then you will expose yourself.”

He stood and chuckled.

My nose flared and I looked up at him. His waist was at the perfect height to unbutton his pants and bring him to his knees, the way a woman who knows what she’s doing can. Our eyes locked and damn if I was going to give in to him. That infuriating half quirk of a smile. That arrogance. His scent beating at my control.

A pouch appeared in his hand and he let the contents clink before he placed the money bag between my cleavage. “That should be sufficient to avoid unpleasant speculation.”

He stepped back and motioned his hand to indicate he would follow. I was not a horse to lead. Nor a slave to his whims. But, the side of me that wanted him in my bed snuck reason and excuses to take him to my chambers. Really, what choice did I have with what he threatened? If I refused he’d call attention to my Roullean heritage. It wouldn’t take too much time for the rumors to fly across the land to The Randish pope. My fate would be sealed. I’d probably be dead in a matter of weeks.

Painting on my nonchalant smile, I played demure host and did as he bade. Passing my guards, I gave them the signal to interrupt us in two minutes.

Luca nodded. My personal guard was more than a brute. He understood.

Down the corridor, Chartan’s smooth voice resumed battering against the stronghold of my heart. “How much time do I have before your guards crash it?”

I turned up the spiral stairs and said nothing.

“I’m guessing a few minutes,” he said. “No matter. You’ll hear what I have to say.”

I wanted to grit my teeth. Damn thief.

We crossed the hallway where several of my girls were hard at work pleasuring their clients. You couldn’t pass a door without hearing the particulars of a client’s needs. The sound of a slap on flesh halted my motion. I listened at the door where it came from. If a man was being too harsh with any of my women I wouldn’t have him back. Another slap. My hand rested on the door knob.

“You like that, hun? You like being ruffed up?” The woman’s muffled voice belonged to Lady Andrea.

“Yes.” Responded a breathy male voice. “Please, again.”

Slap.

Apparently, Duke Undore found his pleasure from women giving him pain. Good to know.

I smiled, backed away and continued down the corridor. Chartan waited for me with piercing eyes. Taking the stairs to the second floor, I turned into the hallway and reached under my sleeve.

“Stop.” Chartan halted me.

“You’ve been a larcenist too long, LeBeau.” I continued to door number twelve. This was where I played with clients and teased secrets from their souls. I pulled out the iron key to my door and showed him. “I hope you hold no dangerous value in a chunk of metal.”

“Chucks of metal, as you say, have killed men before.”

Chartan took the key and inserted it into the lock. He opened the door and stepped back.

Trying to go forward Chartan threw his arm out and waggled a finger at me. His touch was my exquisite pleasure.

A genuine smile parted my lips. He took me seriously. I crossed my arms and pursed my lips in defiance.

Chartan took the key and inserted it into the lock. He opened the door and stepped back.

“Not yet my courtesan.” The smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Heart tearing itself apart knowing what I had to do, my inner most desire pleaded with me to take him to my bosom and show him he did not need all these precautions, not with me. But it would be a lie. I would go to any length to protect my identity. If I was pointed out as a Rouellean it wouldn’t be long before the Theocracy of the Randish would spill my blood.

Chartan freed a dagger from inside his cape and pushed the door wide open with the tip. He looked inside, up then down and finally through the crack of the door.

I sighed in feigned disgust but he had every right to be suspicious.

“Have a lot of enemies?” I said.

He went inside, quiet as a stalking cat, and swept the room.

While he was preoccupied with his security check I closed the door—slowly. Reaching under my sleeves, I grabbed my throwing sticks, one for each hand. Thin, with three edges, shaped almost like a dowel I positioned to turn and deploy.

My movement swift, my aim true I lopped the weapons at Chartan’s heart.

The thief deflected one and caught the other. Then slammed me against the wall. The point of my own dagger scrapping against my chin.

Despite my attempt to kill him, Chartan’s smile was hearty and his eyes sparkled to life. “My King was right.”

“About what?”

“You are truly the right choice.”

“For what?”

“To regain the crown and return Quenarre to it’s glory.”

His words stung.

Quenarre.

My beloved home.

The land that stole my life.

“I’ll never return to that place.”

“You will return and you will rule.”

My guards pounded the door open and rushed in.

Chartan flew backwards, hopped in the air, and folded himself forward while sailing through the open window—backward. His flight took a blink of an eye and then he was gone before the guards were down the hall.

My personal security, Luca, eyed me up and down, checking for any harm that may have come to me. “My Lady?”

“I’m fine.”

“We’ll chase after him.” Luca peered out the window.

“Don’t contemplate jumping after LeBeau.” If Luca did catch up to Chartan I’d lose a guard. “Besides, he paid for my time.”

I reached for the bag of coin Chartan lusciously shoved down my corset.

​It wasn’t there. I reached further in. Nothing. The money was gone.

My blood boiled. “Chartan!” I slammed the window.

LeBeau was a mile away by now but his chuckle rang in my ears. He would not win. I would never go back to Quenarre. As for his blackmail threat… if he wanted to fight in the game of espionage, he’d found a formidable opponent.

Story Update ♦ The King's Thief (Chapter 12) END

12/14/2017

 
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Sorry,
GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

My dears--this has been a long time coming and doing this story was great fun. Cynthia wanted to illustrate the scene where Chartan is in Lady Dauphine's room and she pulls a knife on him, so here is the last commissioned illustration for this story. The art she created was amazing and now, Cynthia and I have to discuss what's next.

I'll admit, I'm not ready with another FREE story to put on the blog, YET. I have so many good ideas.

Often I think... put up a story--complete it on the fly! Then wonder if I should just continue with another story of Chartan and Lady Dauphine's adventures. But there are so many other stories to tell. If you have a preference, tell me in the comments or send me an email! For now, this is the end of THE KING'S THIEF.

There is a giveaway at the end and anyone/everyone can participate!

Enjoy!
If you are completely lost, and this is your first time here, you might want to start from the beginning. I suggest clicking on "The King's Thief" under the CATEGORIES on the right hand side of the screen OR clicking the button below to start at the beginning. There are buttons at the end of the chapters to guide you to the next chapter.  

​For the rest of you...happy reading!    ​
The King's Thief (Chapters 1 & 2)
This is a FREE internet story for my fans. This chapter is the continuation of a story called "The King's Thief". Click the button above for more details. 

No part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted without written prior permission from the publisher. 
This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, events, incidents and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

If you find any grammar, spelling or punctuation errors, please let know via the comments!! I may not get to them right away, but I will get to them. Thank you!
WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT

The King's Thief

Chapter 12 (END)
Even two days after we’d made it back aboard The Rogues Gambit, Bowden snored in Gustave’s cabin. The sound warmed my heart to know he was safe and recovering. Above me I heard Roy shouting, clip-clops of Carnival’s hooves wreaking havoc on the ships deck, Detrien’s hearty laugh and Chartan exclaiming, “Shovel it overboard, it’s just horse shit.”

The moment we’d gotten back to the ship, Chartan stripped me naked and tied me, spread to the four winds, to the bed thinking I needed a lesson in humility. For the most part he ignored me except to water, bathe, feed and change the mud-packs healing my back. The act was a rouse. He and his cock were at war in my presence.

Footsteps clamored to the door and I heard the squeak of hinges and the click of a lock in place. Tied face down on the bed, I couldn’t see Chartan, but I could feel his eyes caress my legs, my ass and my womanly allure. I wiggled knowing it gave him some kind of male satisfaction watching me writhe exposed and defenseless. Well, not defenseless, he’d taken away his only shield—my clothes. Long seconds passed before he walked forward.

A slap to my right ass cheek produced a yelp from my lips.

“Constrain yourself.” He rubbed where he hit, softening the sting.

“Roy seems to think Carnival needs his own cabin.”

Chartan snorted. “You couldn’t subdue that horse.”

I felt the cloth on my back being lifted and the soothing balm being wiped away. “He might jump overboard.”

“He’s too smart for that.” Chartan got up, poured water in a bowl and returned.

“You two have developed quiet a bond, have you asked Detrien how he feels about that?”

“Yes.” He rubbed a warm cloth in circles over my back, massaging me into submission.

“And?”

“He won’t let the horse go completely, he’s family, but he said if Carnival is in my care he’ll trust me to look after him.”

“That’s not like you Chartan.”

“What’s not?”

“Having to take care of family, growing roots, having another to ground you.”

He grunt.

I started to doze under the silence and strong methodical strokes over my body until Chartan used that rough silk voice. “I think you’re healed enough to teach you a lesson.”

He slapped my left ass cheek and let the sting reverberate from toes to nipples. I turned my head to him when the dip in the bed lifted. Chartan stripped off his coat and ducked under his shirt in teasing leisure. His arms, chest and stomach all defined male muscle accentuated the glory of this man that would be mine. I licked my lips in purposeful admiration and looked at the bulge of his pants.

“First, we’re going to wash your mouth out with cock.” He played with the top button of his trousers and took off his boots. “You’re going to learn that when you make a promise, you keep it.”

“Or not make one.”

He smiled and dropped his pants standing naked before me. “Good girl, you’re learning.”

“You just didn’t hear the full promise I made.”

“Don’t get facetious with me.” He slipped his body between my tied arms, nestling his ball and stick in front of my face. “Open.” He lifted me up and guided his hard cock in my mouth. I had nowhere to go but down. Not that I wanted to be anywhere else. My tongue wrapped around his girth and lubricated his cock. Chartan leaned his head back and moaned. “Don’t ever make me that angry again.”

I heard what he really meant--Don’t ever make me feel that helpless again, watching you walk into danger and being able to do nothing. I sucked, stroked and tried to move my head, but I was tied and he was lodged inside my mouth so far it was up to him to pump.

“Answer me.” He fisted my hair and I nodded and gurgled.

“Good.” Chartan unclenched his fist and smoothed a hand over my hair.

Tears streamed from my eyes and he shoved himself further down my throat, using the back of my head as leverage to rock back and forth, fucking my mouth. My pussy clenched at his ruthless use. Tilting my head, I looked up and saw Chartan’s face.

Drawing ragged breaths through his mouth, eyes closed, eyebrows pinched together in ecstasy, he was letting go of himself and giving me control enough to pleasure us both. I wanted to grab his ass and help him shove every inch of himself inside.

Instead I strained against my bonds. His savage pumping continued at a lascivious rate. It was hard to breath but I wasn’t complaining if this was his form of punishment. I’d give anything to see this man let go. My discipline was his vulnerability, completely losing himself to my assault against his closely guarded emotions. This was not a man who let many worship his body in this fashion. I made sure his cock was guarded against my teeth. All he felt was warm, moist and soft. My favorite limb of a man safe from harm and feeling only pleasure. 

My jaw started aching when his cock expanded. I thought my lips would peel back and my jaw would crack to make room for him. Then his discharge surpassed my tongue all together as if I had a choice to swallow his cum. Chartan bellowed a short cry but stifled following moans. It was a triumph. His cock softened but didn’t shrink much as his fingers delicately stroked my lips and himself.

“I’m not done with you.” He untied my wrists so I could sit back. Then he untied my ankles and flipped me on my back.

“Stay.” He said.

“You don’t command me.”

“Yes, I do.”

“You’re a queen’s adviser.” I taunted the words. “I don’t have to listen to you.”

Chartan pounced on top of me, his face gone red, his eyes wild and his voice gravel and honey. “You’re as unruly as your uncle.”

For the first time, I was afraid of Chartan’s wrath but I refused to show fear. “There’s only one station above mine that can order me around.”

I watched as my round-about proposal sunk in. He watched me with a serious foreboding. The emotions flitted so fast I could barely keep up. Trepidation, calm, arrogance, denial, and finally something I couldn’t describe but had seen in the eyes of married men like Roy.

“King LeBeau.” He’d said it as if for the first time, not daring to before.

“Oh, please, like you didn’t plan for this outcome.”

He smiled and shrugged. “My wedding gift to you shall be Quenarre and its rightful monarchy delivered back to the people.”

Then he leaned down and kissed the breath from me.
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This project has been so fun, I'm willing to do another! Won't you comment and let me know if you'd like to see a continuation of THE KING'S THIEF or something completely different? 

Because I love the art so much, I'm putting Cynthia's work for THE KING'S THIEF below in the order of events. Won't you tell me which is your favorite illustration? Let me know in the comments!

This was the first online serialization I've done and have learned much! I'll be sure to make the next one more organized. Thank you for all your support! 
To the COVER CONTEST!
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Want to win this aroma-therapy necklace?
See HOW below!​

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SORRY,
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

  1. Anyone can participate. US, Canada, International, blog reader, email subscriber, who ever, where ever.
  2. Participate by looking at illustrations #1  through #5 below. (Sorry the sixth illustration is not part of the collection, just art I found appropriate for the story) 
  3. Choose the illustration you like the most, calls to you the most or (if you've read THE KING'S THIEF) resonates with the story-in your opinion-the most. Basically, choose your favorite picture. 
  4. Leave a comment on which number illustration you like best. That's it! Task complete! Though sharing this post would be awesome!  
  5. The WINNER will be chosen December 25th, 2017.
  6. Facebook and Weebly are not responsible for this giveaway.

#1

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Chartan looking from the roof tops for Lady Dauphine, scouting exit routes and plotting his next move.

#2

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Seducing a man is harder than one might think. Especially if that man is Chartan LeBeau. I didn’t know why the King of Thieves returned to Xaxyia after twenty years, but I’d recognized him the moment his doe-skin, silver-tipped boots stepped into my hall.

#3

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“I know who you are Lady Dauphine of Quenarre, noble princess of the house Rouelle. I escorted you to safety here before the overtaking of our King. Do not chuff me off.”

#4

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My movement swift, my aim true I lopped the weapons at Chartan’s heart. 
The thief deflected one and caught the other. Then slammed me against the wall. The point of my own dagger scrapping against my chin. 

#5

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Looking over at the other ship I couldn’t help notice some of the most despicable rogues I’d ever seen. I looked to Chartan, who in turn, smiled at them in greeting.
*Disclaimer* This illustration below is not Cynthia's but is an ideal representation of Bowden. 
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With a wild fierceness in his eyes Bowden poured lightning bolt after bolt into Deacon Philip until the man stopped twitching. Then with a torn scream from Bowden, he slahed the air with his hand and Philip Deacon’s body ripped in half. 
Go to the COVER CONTEST
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Story Update ♦ The King's Thief (Chapter 11)

9/14/2017

 
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So, this isn't Cynthia's, but my own inspiration for Bowden. All artists need to rest, so the next illustration shall be the last for The King's Thief. The story will also be completed in the next installment. It takes stamina and determination to keep going as artists, writers, creators and though one may have enthusiasm for a project at first, the new wears off and you need sheer will to continue through the exhaustion. Creating (writing/illustration) is like running. You have sprints, marathons, half-marathons and mile goals. Training is in between those races. Rest is in between training. Motivation is the only thing that keeps you running. When lost, your body screams "no more", just like a hand cramp and writer's block sets in.

So, my dear, sweet reader. This is the second to last installment of "The King's Thief". I'll be biting my nails on what to give you next, but I will have something! I have a few ideas in my head and one story started that is a paranormal-shifter romance. It's *not* the usual alpha wolf type story with a twist. But that's all I'm going to say.

For now, here is the next installment of "The King's Thief"...

If you are completely lost, and this is your first time here, you might want to start from the beginning. I suggest clicking on "The King's Thief" under the CATEGORIES on the right hand side of the screen. Or clicking the button below to start at the beginning. 

​For the rest of you...enjoy!    
The King's Thief (Chapters 1 & 2)
This is a FREE internet story for my fans. This chapter is the continuation of a story called "The King's Thief". Click the button above for more details. 

No part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted without written prior permission from the publisher. 
This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, events, incidents and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

If you find any grammar, spelling or punctuation errors, please let know via the comments!! I may not get to them right away, but I will get to them. Thank you!

The King's Thief

Chapter 11
The ropes at my wrists were released but I couldn’t move. Bishop Aldo twisted his staff back to one piece and stood surveying the handiwork he produced on my back. “Rest, my dear, tomorrow is another day.”

He was going to keep me here beyond our planned stay. I wanted to warn Detrien, or the rogues, but I couldn’t move. Two minutes after the bishop left, I hissed at a coolness covering my back. Large hands rubbed a balm over my wounds. The whiff of Chartan de perfume invaded my nose. He guided himself underneath me, my head in his lap, while I stayed on my stomach. He cradled me, continuing to stroke my back, spreading the balm.

“Chartan…”

“Don’t speak to me,” his voice rough and gravelly as if from a long day of yelling. “At this moment, I would say you deserved every strike for disobeying me.” But his soothing hands claimed the opposite.

His hands were the only thing steady on me, the rest of his body shook.

“Bowden…” I said.

“I know.” His voice shook. “I have restrained myself to go with your plan.”

“You spoke with Gustave?”

“Yes.” He continued to spread the balm over my back.

​We spoke no more. He was angry. I’d felt the same when all I could do was watch them torture Bowden. But now I had a plan.
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My first instinct was to smile broadly, walk tall, and hide my hurts and ailments. But that’s not what to bishop wanted. He wanted to see me cowed, feeble, meek and grateful for his beatings.

The thought made me want to rebel harder. In my youth, I would have stuck to my instincts, but if Bowden, the rogues, Detrien, Chartan and me were to make it out alive, I had to play along. Instead of flaunting my confidence, I hid my face—looking at the floor and stepped out my room to morning mass. The two guards snapped to attention and followed me down the pillar hallways.

The chapel was the only room with natural light filtering in through the high windows. Two balconies ran over the row of a hundred pews. White glazed walls reflected the diffused sunlight causing a celestial haze. The affect awed everyone seated. As much as I wanted to impute a certain bishop to god right now, I had to find Gustave and tell him where to find the keys and Bowden.

Gustave spotted me but instead of smiling and waving he backed into a shadow. I stopped, frowning at the contrast to his usual personality. Gustave’s manner had changed from last night. Before, everything for the boy was easy, a game, his confidence high. He’d aged overnight, the innocence a bit diminished, a hint of fear behind that boyish glint in his eyes. My heart sunk wondering if the bishop hadn’t pulled him aside last night and—I stopped my thought, I couldn’t bear to continue its course.

My guard urged me forward. “Bishop Aldo has a place of honor for you at the front.”

I blinked at the man. This was my only chance to communicate to Gustave. I grabbed the pendent around my neck and pointedly looked to Gustave and then down at the pendant.

Gustave watched me with those innocent eyes, huge and observant. I didn’t get an acknowledgment, but I didn’t see confusion either. I just had to hope he understood and walked with the guards to my reserved seat. There would be no sleep during the service.

Continuing down the aisle I scanned for any of Chartan’s men. None of them were there. The matter was curious, but not overly so. Detrien probably got them out of morning mass or I’d missed them in the crowded pews. They were rogues trained to disappear. Besides, I couldn’t sit with them, denying a bishop’s wish boded no favor. Not when the church was over filled with worshipers. I couldn’t see Detrien, and I had a feeling he was in back with the bishop. 

Throughout the service I kept my attentions towards the front, no matter how great the temptation was to look over my shoulder and scan the crowd. The deacon and the bishop had much to say and as the droning went on. I entertained myself with rebuttals to their gospel. Not aloud of course.
By the end, I was ready to climb the tallest tower and fling myself out the window. Finally, Detrien stepped out from behind the curtains. His eyes searched until he found me. His smile plastered, his wave to the adoring crowd casual, but my teeth were set on edge by his pale complexion and stiff walk. At first I’d thought his slight limp was a physical pain, but it was his rigid body language that tipped me into his stress. My cousin was wound tighter than a violin. 

When he began to sing, everyone came to a hush. The air stilled waiting for my cousin’s command. After the first chord, the cold beauty of the chapel turned pleasant. The blinding light toned to a softer shade of warm yellow, and sharp colors turned a deeper rich. But my cousin’s baritone did not reach his full range. His eyes did not sparkle as they usually did when giving all of his heart to his music. No one would notice except for Detrien’s teacher—and me. He was either holding back unwilling to give the Randish his all, or he was terrified enough for it to effect his performance. At the end, he received his usual standing ovation. He bowed and walked off stage—straight to me.

His fierce embrace was more than devote love to his last remaining family. Detrien’s lips pressed to my ear, “They know. Say nothing.” Then he pulled away holding my hands and with a wide smile said, “Tonight you shall accompany me on stage.”

I could barely hear him over the thunder of applause and my swimming head at the knowledge that we’d been found out. How? I replayed everything in my mind starting from the moment we walked through those front gates. The Randish were not stupid. A week after a ship raid—a prisoner caught—Detrien not expected for another few months—the rogues suspicious behavior covering their faces—Bowden’s reaction to my voice. Of course they’d figure it out.

Bishop Aldo probably brought me down to the dungeons to confirm it. Well, they hadn’t found Chartan and I could imagine the thief’s smug face telling me I should have gone back to Xaxyia.

Getting specific information from Detrien was going to be tricky. I could read a man well, his thoughts, his likes, his mind, but attaining exact words even from a man I knew would be difficult. Determining to get us all out alive, I’d have to hone every skill I practiced to its full potential. But I would no longer play their game. I was Lady Dauphine of the Rouellean families. The rightful queen to Quenarre. My people had faced enough bleak hope among tyrants that couldn’t treat their own people more than pigs in a galley. I was not meek or mild. I was queen of this country.
Detrien’s fake smile turned genuine. “Finally, you know what you are.”

Guards surrounded us, separating the common people from Saint Detrien. While we walked down the aisle, common wild flowers were thrown before us and at us. The people cheered their adoration of my cousin. He was most likely their only refuge from a life under the thumb of the bishop.
Finally, after a thousand feet procession down the aisle we were free of the crowd, but were herded to the dining room. Bishop Aldo sat at the far end of the table still in his garbed white robes. Deacon Philip hovered over a tied-up Gustave sitting in a chair closest to me. The boys ruffled dark hair, scratches over his right eye and a bruised left cheek infuriated me.

“Let him go!” 

Staring back at the bishop’s sadist-in-crime with the fire of a determined badger, Gustave struggled with the ropes. 

Bishop Aldo’s lips quirked in an amused half grin. “Good. You’re here. It seems we have a dilemma I think you can fix, Dauphine.”

“Lady Dauphine.” Detrien scowled.

The bishop stood and tipped his head. “Yes, of course, Lady Dauphine Rouelle.”

My name—my full name, how did he know?

“Who else could seduce my soldiers to do her bidding?” He said.

“What?” Confused I tried thinking back. When did I ask the soldiers to do anything?

The bishop took his staff in hand and walked to the end of the table. “Randish soldiers are hardened to horrors of war. They fight without mercy against heathens. Yet you ask one of them to look after a sinner.”

The only thing I asked of the soldiers was when we first arrived. “You mean the boy? The child whose only misfortune was trying to get a better glimpse of Detrien as we rode by?”

“That boy broke God’s law.”

“By being curious?”

“Enough! Come here.” Bishop Aldo extended his hand as bishop’s do to worshipers who want to kiss his ring.

Detrien stepped protectively in front of me. “You said she would be safe.”

Those words made my head swim, had Detrien sold us out for my safety? I looked at Gustave—the boy showed no sign of shock only anger. This was planned or Gustave knew about this turn of events.

“Detrien?” I whispered. “What have you done?”

“I said,” the bishop dropped his hand. “You and your cousin would stay here. The others, they need to go.”

The way he said “go” wasn’t of the “let them go” variety. He was going to kill them all.

Deacon Philip produced a knife and pressed the blade under Gustave’s chin. “Talk cretin, don’t make the lady watch me cut out your tongue through your throat, where are my keys?”

Triumph near overwhelmed my schooling. I wanted to laugh. Gustave surely swallowed all three keys. They’d never find them, unless they dissected Gustave as they did Bowden.

“I know where they are.” I stepped forward.

Gustave whipped his head and pleaded with his eyes. Beads of blood dripped from the underside of his chin.

Bishop Aldo turned to his deacon in smug satisfaction. Deacon Philip sneered back. Righteous bastards. They thought they were above their god’s law. My mind worked as to how to get out of this and found only one answer. Crafty word-shadowing was in order. I could only pray Detrien could decipher my code. “He was trained by the black brothers, he’ll keep the key close to the door.”

Deacon Philip spurt out orders to the guards, “Search the holding room.”

I snorted in disgust. “You really think he’s that stupid? You think you’re going to find it above the door frame?”

Bishop Aldo sighed, and stood up. “Bring them.”

“Your Grace, we should look first.”

“No,” the bishop waved a hand in annoyance. “She’s right and I want this over with.”

To get back to his ritual beatings.

The Deacon hauled up Gustave. Though the rogue’s hands were tied in ropes he was free to walk. Soldiers created an oval wall of steel surrounding his grace and the deacon trailing Chartan’s protégé, Detrien and I. My cousin walked beside me while Gustave walked behind us and in front of the Randish Theocracy. Looking at him up close Detrien’s usual silky hair was stringy. His broad shoulders slumped. He wasn’t paying close enough attention to my queues to catch my subtleties.  I had to get Detrien out of his despair. I needed his help. “Why did you tell them my name?”

“I didn’t.” His eyes remained on the floor.

Looking back at Gustave, the boy was a professional. He gave nothing away, just stared at me, not acknowledging or denying my glace trying to tell him we would get out of here. Gustave was the quintessential protégé of Chartan.

We were almost to the stairs that led down to the dungeons. Turning back, I did my best to rile-up my cousin, “Whatever you traded for my safety, you’ve been cheated.”

His eyebrows pinched together and placed a hand on my shoulder. I winched and hissed at the pain from the lash. Detrien yanked his arm down. I felt his twitch, more than saw it. His hand curled to a fist. His steps became measured. I grabbed his arm. Not yet.

We turned the corner to the stairs. As I rounded I held my cousin’s hand in mine and bolt forward. I shoved the guard to the left of us. Thank goodness Detrien understood. Together, our combined weight and force pushed the man off-balance.

Metal plate crashed on stone as the soldier tumbled down. I was going to do the same to the one on the right, but he turned grabbed the back of his partner’s helmet and slammed it against his knee. The struck soldier was stunned and I planted the bottom of my shoe to his shoulder while grabbing his sword. With a shove of my foot, that one went down the stairs with his fellow and I had a weapon.

Blue eyes narrowed through a thin visor. “Now I have to go chasing him.”

That voice, those eyes…Chartan! The soldier to my left was Chartan!

I huffed, “You’re spoiling my rescue of Gustave.”

A reverberated snort through the metal helmet told me what he thought of my rescue.

From behind I was ambushed by the very person I was trying to save. Hands tied to his back, Gustave fell forward and into me. His weight was too much and we both tumbled. My shoulders hit an edge and the sword went out of my hand. Gustave’s face went into my cleavage. Then I was a-top the boy and I felt his hips impact with stone. We rolled another two, maybe three times, then we hit bottom. Flat on my back with the boy rolling off my top, the wind taken from me, I watched as Detrien and Chartan fought together against three guards pinning the Bishop and deacon against the stone wall.

Chartan and Detrien fought side to side with a six foot drop behind them. We had our own problems. Two soldiers were getting up and one of them still had a weapon. Grabbing the two daggers under my sleeves I had just enough time to block an overhand blow. “It’s not nice to try and kill a lady.”
The man hesitated for a moment, then blocked my lunge for his gut.

Gustave popped up and, still tied, started stomping on the other guard. “Could use a dagger right now.”

“You’re a rogue. Improvise.” I blocked and lunged again.

A soldier fell off the stairs. He was dead before he hit the lower level. Gustave kicked and I shielded his back. I couldn’t see Chartan or my cousin and I wouldn’t be able to bear watching either one getting hurt.

“Gustave, do you have the key?” I said.

In response, he knelled and started bringing up the keys in his own talented way.

The Deacon broke free from the fighting and went down the stairs, heading for Gustave. I was not going to let that man touch the boy and threw both my daggers into the deacon’s heart. He slammed up against the wall and looked down. Then he laughed. I ran to the downed soldier and grabbed a sword to defend myself.

Deacon Philip pulled the weapons out of his chest. “You have to have a heart to stab one.”

I realized my mistake. I’d thrown my daggers in the wrong place. He was like Bowden, his heart was on his right side, not his left. I blocked against the soldier, but the sword was a heavier weapon and I couldn’t wield it like my two daggers. Deacon Philip seemed to think me the greater threat and watched with mirth as I fought the soldier. While the two guards fighting Chartan and Detrien holding their own protecting the bishop, nobody noticed Gustave throwing up three keys, choosing one by his teeth and using talented lips to unlock the door.

Another guard fell dead to Chartan’s sword, but they wouldn’t reach me in time. A soldier’s heavy steel is not a lady’s choice in weaponry, at least not this lady. Still I swung to ward off my attacker. But my strength was failing and my opponent saw it.

“Give up, Lady Dauphine.” Deacon Philip paused his assault.

I rested the sword, point down, on the floor and panted. The deacon rushed forward and I slammed my elbow in his face. He reeled back. but another soldier bashed my body into the wall. Stunned, my arms were locked in chains above my head. I kicked, flailing.

“Grab her ankle.” The Deacon said and the guard caught my left foot. Deacon Philip grabbed my right foot and slipped in between my legs. His eyes narrowed and his smile widened. I tried biting his nose off but he pulled out of reach.

“Interesting thing my studies have taught me,” Deacon Philip said. “The body has many weaknesses, some you’d never think of.” He then pushed his finger across the spot where my nose and upper lip met and applied pressure. I had no choice but to back off. It didn’t hurt so much as cause a trigger response.

“We tried it the bishop’s way first, beating you to God’s will,” Deacon Philip said. “Now it’s my turn to try.” He started lifting my skirt and pulling down his pants. I tried kicking again but it was no use, I couldn’t strike anything. When he pulled out his cock it was the biggest thing I’d ever seen. Seriously, smaller women would have died from internal bleeding. How did Deacon Philip even think with a cock that huge? I’d seen large. This was not a cock to swoon over, it was terrifying. Even if I were ready, it would hurt.

Lightning crawled around Deacon Philip fast as a viper and ripped him off me. In the doorway, Bowden slung an arm around a badly beaten Torg and with his other hand, the mage shot lightning from his fingers. With a wild fierceness in his eyes Bowden poured lightning bolt after bolt into Deacon Philip until the man stopped twitching. Then with a torn scream from Bowden, he slahed the air with his hand and Philip Deacon’s body ripped in half.

The soldier beside me raised his sword and started after Bowden and Torg. I wrapped my legs around his ankle and the soldier tripped forward landing in front of Bowden.

The mage touched the soldier’s forehead and the man went down. Blood ran from the Randish soldiers ears. It seemed Bowden exploded the man’s brain. But the mage was not done, even dropped over Torg he raised his free arm to the soldiers Chartan and Detrien fought and yanked as if he were pulling something out of the air. The two soldiers fell down the stairs. How Chartan avoided them was no mystery, but my cousin…Detrien whirled around avoiding them in a move he could have only learned from the master thief himself. Chartan jumped down and with momentum his sword went through the metal plate of the soldier. He then slit the throat of the other.

“You know the one thing I like about the Randish, bishop?” Detrien held the sword to Aldo’s throat. “You can kill a high ranking official and they don’t care, they just send another.”

“Saint Detrien, you don’t want to do this.” Bishop Aldo held my cousin’s shoulder. “They will avenge me.”

“No, they won’t,” Detrien said. “Because I killed the last bishop too.”

Bishop Aldo’s eyes went wide, then a thin crimson line dripped blood. Detrien let the bishop fall.

I ran to the old court mage. I knew the expression of defeat on his face. It was an expression that would welcome death. Then my friend and sorcerer slumped. Torg struggled to keep him on his feet.

“No Bowden, you can’t die, you’re not allowed.” I patted his cheek in succession to keep him awake.

He gave a weak smile. “By what decree?”

“By order of your queen.”

He bobbed his head in a strangled laugh. I looked at Torg, “Lay him down, I’ll take him.”

“My lady…”

“No, we need to get out of the city, he’s short of eighty-pounds, we need all the fighters we can get.”

“We’re not going to fight,” Chartan crouched beside me. “There’s a tunnel.”

I nodded remembering the same path Chartan took me the last time we had to flee.

“Your uncle would be so proud.” Bowden took my hand and squeezed. “You are more beautiful than I remember.”

“Bowden,” I framed my loose curls around his face. “I promise to make up for this horrible place. You’ll come with me to Xaxyia, you’ll have the best food, wine from all trades of the globe, any woman from my stable—all of them, just stay alive.”

He smiled wide, then his mirth fell. “From your stable?”

“She’s guild master of the courtesans.” Chartan bent a knee and examined the mage.

Bowden slid a venomous gaze to Chartan, raised his arm and took hold of Le Beau’s throat. The mage, too weak to do any damage barely kept his hold. Amazingly, Chartan did not try to stop him.

“You let her become a courtesan?” Bowden’s fury was going to keep him alive so I didn’t argue.

“I let her choose her own destiny.” Chartan took hold of Bowden’s wrist and moved out of the mage’s grip.

“When I’m stronger, we will discuss your failures later.” Bowden folded his arm over his chest.

“Narcissistic, arrogant, gallish mage.” Chartan softened the words with affection.

“Conceited, self-important, vain thief.”

​Chartan chuckled and Bowden listed his head to the side. Like most mages, Bowden slept with his eyes half open.    
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Chapter 12
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