Heather Frost's Blog

Never Have I Ever: Crown & Serpent Edition

Iris and Henri are the bad guys in modern Eyrinthia, but in Crown & Serpent (a prequel to the main series) they’re just two harmless(?) teenagers. Since the book details how they met, I thought it would be fun to do a round of some popular “Never Have I Ever” questions with this young prince and noblewoman. And of course, I thought I’d answer the questions as well!

Never have I ever read the last chapter of a book first.

Henri: Guilty.

Iris: No.

Heather: NEVER.

Never have I ever stolen anything.

Henri: As a prince, anything I want I have every right to possess, so, no.

Iris: Yes, when I was a child I would take little things from my parents. Mostly I remember taking things that my father didn’t think I was ready for, whether that was a book that detailed particularly gruesome poisons, or a dangerous poison itself. I was always a curious child.

Heather: When I was a kid, I contemplated keeping a library book. [*gasps!*] I didn’t, though. I didn’t want to mess up my standing with the library!

Never have I ever lost a bet.

Henri: Perhaps, though I can’t recall a specific incident.

Iris: I’m sure I have not.

Heather: 100% I have lost bets. Luckily, I never place any money on bets, so there’s that at least.

Never have I ever bribed someone.

Henri: I generally resort to threats…

Iris: I’ve never had the need.

Heather: Nope. Unless bribing with chocolate counts... It counts? Oh. Well, then yes.

Never have I ever broken a bone.

Henri: I’ve broken a few over the years. …Oh, you mean my own bones? Ah. Well, yes to that, too.

Iris: I only sprained my wrist once. I fell from a tree in my father’s garden. He’d warned me not to climb that high, but I was checking on the blooms. I was anxious to harvest them so we could make several different poisons.

Heather: Nope, never broken a bone. Or had a bone broken. *looks purposefully at Henri*

Never have I ever dog-eared the pages of a book.

Henri: I probably have.

Iris: I have, when a bookmark wasn’t handy and I needed to keep my place. Research trumps all else.

Heather: Absolutely not! The sacrilege!

Never have I ever lived alone.

Henri: I wish.

Iris: Yes, right after my father died. But I suppose I had the servants, so I wasn’t wholly alone.

Heather: Yes. For the most part I’ve had roommates, but I’ve also had a couple stints of living alone.

Never have I ever told a lie.

Henri: Of course not. *looks at us, because we’re staring at him* Fine. I have lied.

Iris: So have I.

Heather: Yes.

Never have I ever cooked something.

Henri: Absolutely not.

Iris: Do poisons count?

Heather: Yes, I love cooking and baking!

Never have I ever slept outdoors.

Henri: Yes, during my more intense weeks of combat training.

Iris: No. Unless a nap counts?

Heather: Yes, though I’m not the biggest fan of camping. At least not in a tent. A cabin is more my speed.

Never have I ever been to Disneyland.

Henri: What now?

Iris: …I don’t like the sound of this land.

Heather: LOL I just keep picturing it! You two, at Disneyland! *laughs uncontrollably* Although to be fair, I haven’t been, either. But I’ll be going next summer!

Never have I ever believed in ghosts.

Henri: The only ghosts are the memories of the dead that the living can’t let go of.

Unfortunately, their influence can be all too real.

Iris: No.

Heather: Yes.

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This was just a bit of fun :) I hope you enjoyed it!

If you want to watch Henri and Iris meet, don’t miss reading Crown & Serpent!

Available Now: https://mybook.to/EWKdD6

Character Interview: Mia

Note: This interview was originally part of the Royal Captive blog tour, and was first shared on Author Sarah Hill's website: ,https://artauthorsarahannhill.art.blog

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Hello Mia, thank you for taking the time to sit down with me today.

Of course! Thank you for having me.

What's your favorite color?

Pink.

I thought we'd start with getting to know you a little. I see you have a small collection of books, do you have a favorite?

Picking a favorite is impossible! I love to read so many different things. Poetry, adventure tales, and romances. I enjoy learning about the world as well, so studying plants, different climates, and cultures—I love it all!

Staying inside a cell most your life has to be boring, but you found a talent for painting. They are beautiful, do you have a favorite piece of art?

Probably this one. Grayson once told me about one of his trips into the northern mountains, and my imagination couldn’t let go of this stream he described. The setting sun glittering on the water. The fall leaves that blanket the rocky banks. And of course, the focus of the piece is the vibrant orange leaf caught in the current of the stream. The scene is both beautiful and somehow tragic, and I’m proud of how it turned out. I’ve always been fascinated with how such a simple image can convey powerful, complex emotions. I think that’s part of why art is so important to my sanity; it gives me a place to explore, create, and pour my emotions into.

How does it feel being out of the dungeon and in a bigger space?

It’s honestly a little unnerving. My world was a small, usually predictable space. Now I’m not sure what to expect, and none of it feels real. But despite those anxieties, I am enjoying the new environment.

You have a window for the first time since coming to Ryden. I know being able to see the sights you only imagined is a gift, but what about the smells? They have to be different than those beneath the castle in a dark cell. Do you have a favorite scent? Is that scent new or one you've known for years?

It took a while for my eyes to adjust to the natural light, but being able to see outside is definitely a gift—and a little overwhelming, if I’m being honest. And the sounds! Hearing people talking and working outside, dogs barking . . . It’s strange to hear all of that. To know that the outside world is right there. That in a way, I’m part of it again.

And since you mentioned the smells, yes. They were overpowering, too, at first. I’m coming to love them, though. The rain smells divine, and I love the scent of flowers, though I hadn’t forgotten the smell of them while in my cell. Grayson would bring me flowers quite often. But I recently learned the name of my favorite scent: pine.

It is said that a song floats from your room from time to time. Is this a song you learned from childhood? Who taught it to you?

While I’ve made up some of my own songs over the years, I mostly sing ones I learned as a child. There’s a particular lullaby my mother would always sing to me, and that’s the song Grayson first heard from me.

Do you have a favorite memory?

Meeting Grayson. Everything was so dark before he came into my life, and I will always be grateful that he found me. Sometimes he says that I saved him, but in reality, he saved me.

Let's delve a little deeper. You were brought to Ryden when you were very young. What do you remember about that day?

I was young, but I remember the journey to the castle, and I remember meeting King Henri. When I first saw him, I thought he might help me. I think I’ll always remember how my gut fell when I realized he wasn’t going to.

Do you remember who you are, or is the truth still locked behind a door in your mind you haven't found yet?

I remember, I just can’t talk about it. I can’t even think about it. It triggers a panic, where my lungs and throat tighten and I can’t breathe.

Let's move on to your friendships. You and Grayson have been friends for almost as long as you've been in the castle. Is it safe to say he is the best friend you've ever had?

Without a doubt. We have been there for each other in a way I don’t think people on the outside can fully understand. He knows me better than anyone else in the world, and I would do anything for him.

Do you see a future with Grayson?

When I think about the future, Grayson is the only constant I see. I know we live in a dangerous and unpredictable world, but I honestly can’t picture my life without him.

There's a look in your eyes when you talk about Grayson, is there maybe a little something more than friendship?

Absolutely. The friendship we built as children turned naturally into something more, and I love him with all my heart.

And what about Tyrell? To hate him would be understandable after the way he treated you after your first meeting, but you don't hate him, do you?

No, I don’t hate him. I never thought I’d consider Tyrell a friend, but that’s how I see him now. I know some people won’t understand how that’s possible, and sometimes even I wonder how it happened, after everything he’s done. But there is more to Tyrell than meets the eye, and I think there is more goodness in him than even he will admit.

It's quite obvious that Tyrell has feelings for you, do you return them in any degree? Is it friendship you care about or are there feelings hidden beneath that you might be scared to admit to?

Tyrell has made it clear that he cares for me, and I . . . Well, I wish things hadn’t become complicated. I don’t want to hurt him, but I’ve told him that I’m in love with Grayson—and I am. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care about Tyrell. I want us to remain friends. I just can’t offer him anything more.

How do you think Grayson will react to your friendship with Tyrell? Will he be grateful to him or do you think knowing how close you've grown will cause him to unravel?

I’ve tried to picture the three of us in the same room, and I really can’t. Tyrell and Grayson both wear masks to hide their vulnerabilities, and they never let others see deeper. Pair that with the fact that they have a complex relationship filled with a lifetime of resentment, jealously, and pain, and I think it might make it impossible for them to see each other as I see them. I worry that all of this could lead to a fight, and that’s the last thing I want.

But to answer your question, I think Grayson will be confused by our friendship, but I hope I can explain things in such a way that he can see Tyrell as I see him now, and not as the prince who hurt me. Grayson has always been protective of me, though, and while it’s something I love about him, I think that will make it hard for him to ever let Tyrell near me. And honestly, I think it will be even harder for him once he finds out that Tyrell has deeper feelings for me. All that being said, I think Grayson will be grateful to Tyrell for saving my life.

Would you be able to choose? If a knife were held to each of their hearts and you could only save one?

Just the thought of a decision like that turns my stomach. I can’t imagine being placed in such a situation. I think the weight of that guilt—no matter my choice—would ruin me. But if I had to choose . . . I would choose Grayson. I would give up anything for him, including my own life.

Thank you so much for joining me today Mia, I honestly hope you get the happy ending you so deserve.

Thank you, I appreciate that! And thank you for taking the time to talk to me.

Character Interview: Prince Henri

Note: This interview was originally part of the Crown & Serpent blog tour, and was first shared on @a_lady_and_her_literature Instagram page.

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While we don’t get Henri’s POV in Crown & Serpent, I wanted to take a chance to interview this nineteen-year-old prince of Ryden.

Hello, Your Highness. Would you like to introduce yourself?

You don’t already know who I am?

Well, I do, but I thought it would be helpful for the readers if you introduced yourself.

Very well. I am Prince Henri Ezra Kaelin, heir to the throne of Ryden.

I didn’t realize your middle name was Ezra. You don’t use it often.

No.

Would you like to tell us why?

Not particularly.

It’s your father’s name.

Yes.

How would you describe your relationship with your father?

He is my sire. My king. I live to serve him—literally. The only reason I was born was because he needed a son and heir.

The talk of Ryden society right now is speculation about your future bride. You’re old enough to be searching for someone. Has anyone caught your eye?

Not as of yet.

Can you tell us anything about what you’re looking for in a wife?

Intelligence. Fearlessness. Beauty, of course, but inner strength matters far more to me than outward appearance. I want a true companion. Someone I can trust. Someone that can embrace my goals, and make them her own.

What are some of your goals?

Many won’t come to fruition until I am king, but I intend to make sure Eyrinthia never overlooks Ryden again. My father wants me to help him conquer Devendra, but I intend to take so much more than that. I assure you, history will remember me. My name will be echoed for centuries, while that of my father and brother will be long forgotten.

Your legacy seems very important to you. Do you think it has something to do with your brother’s death?

Leaving a powerful legacy is the most important thing you can ever do, so of course it’s important to me. My brother’s death really has nothing to do with it.

Farrell died before your birth. Despite that, there are many stories of his bravery, monuments to his memory, and countless paintings as well. Do you feel you know him? Even a little?

I may have never met my brother, but I have known him all my life. I’ve lived under his shadow in every way—in my lessons and training, in the way everyone in Ryden looks at me, in the expectations my father sets. Farrell and I will always be compared, and I hate that. My father speaks endlessly of Farrell, his beloved son. His perfect son. The son I am meant to imitate, but never have a chance of becoming. The son who will always be better than me, because only his perfect memory remains. My father will always consider me second rate, because Farrell is not here to make mistakes—but my every perceived flaw is on constant display. I am in constant competition with a ghost. How do you think that feels?

It sounds miserable.

Indeed. But growing up this way has taught me some valuable lessons, and I believe I am a stronger person for it. Not only that, but there are some parenting mistakes I now know to avoid with my own children someday.

What sort of parent do you think you’ll be?

I intend to have full control of my children. They will each have a role to play, and I will give them every necessary skill they need to succeed. I will keep them in competition with each other, so they always strive to be better. To be the best in my eyes. By giving them each a unique purpose, they will achieve perfection. And, by extension, I will be made more perfect, and Ryden will thrive under my rule.

Describe yourself in three words.

Determined. Unflinching. Driven.

What’s something you love to do?

I love riding. It brings me peace. Helps me clear my mind, and make sense of my muddled thoughts. I could spend endless days with my horses and never become bored.

What is your earliest memory?

My father, giving me my first dagger. I was five or six. I was so excited to have that blade. It was beautifully crafted, a magnificent piece that had been in the Kaelin family for generations. I was admiring it, shifting my hold, and the knife slipped. It clattered to the stone floor, and my father became livid. He screamed that Farrell would never have dropped such a gift. He said I would never be feared if I couldn’t control even a simple knife. He snatched it up before I could, and then he sliced the blade over my arm.

It was the first time he’d ever raised a hand to me. I was shocked. I just held my bleeding arm, my eyes burning as he railed at me. But I didn’t cry. Refused to shed a single tear during his lecture.

When he was finally done, he slammed the hilt back into my hand, hissed, “Never disrespect me with your failure again.” And then he strode from the room, and I cried. I think it was the first time I cried since I was a babe. It was the last as well. I left that room with a dagger and a scar, and a determination to never give him a reason to hurt me again.

Your family is . . . complicated. Can you lay things out for us?

It’s not that complicated. My father had a family before me. A wife he loved. A son he revered. When Farrell died in battle, he was an adult. His mother couldn’t handle his death, so she killed herself. My father was old enough to be a grandfather at the time, but that didn’t stop him from marrying his wife’s younger sister. I was sired for a purpose—to avenge Farrell, and fulfill my father’s revenge. A means to an end. That is all I am to my father. But one day, I will prove that I am so much more.

And your mother? What happened to her?

She died the day I was born.

I’m sorry for your loss.

Don’t be. I know little more than her name. And in truth, death was a better fate for her than marriage to my father. She meant nothing to him. Her life would have been a misery.

What is something you’re reluctant to admit, even to yourself?

That maybe my father is right. Maybe I’m not as strong as Farrell. That I’ll never be better than him.

What is your greatest fear?

That I will be forgotten.

Who is your best friend?

I don’t have friends. It’s better not to. Friends can get too close, can betray you. Subjects, soldiers—that’s all I’ve ever needed.

Who is the person you despise the most?

Farrell. He may be dead, but that doesn’t mean I can’t hate him.

I guess that’s true. But who do you despise most that’s still living?

My father.

All right, last question. Summer in Ryden is a time filled with balls and parties for the noble class to enjoy. Are you looking forward to any of that?

Actually, for perhaps the first time, I am. My father hasn’t made the announcement public yet, but . . . I have until the end of summer to choose a bride. So, this summer, I’m going hunting. And I plan to find my perfect match.

Character Interview: Bennick

Note: This interview was originally part of the Royal Rebel blog tour, and was first shared on @a_lady_and_her_literature Instagram page.

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What was your childhood like?

I grew up in the castle, because of my father’s high position in the Devendran military. My father was gone a lot for his different military assignments, so I didn’t spend a lot of time with him. Whenever he was home, I was practically his shadow. I wanted his approval more than anything. My mother was always loving, but she was often ill, so I spent a lot of time with Wilf and his wife, Rachel. I had a good childhood, really. I never lacked anything I needed, and I was surrounded by people who loved me.

What is your earliest memory?

I’m not sure how old I was, but I remember my mother giving me a stuffed, fabric panther. I took that thing everywhere with me, but I especially remember playing with it in the grass, pretending we were in the jungles of Zennor. My mother was there, just watching me with a soft kind of smile on her face. A lot of that afternoon might be hazy, but I’ll always remember the quiet peace that surrounded me.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

For the most part, I grew up wanting to be a soldier, like my father. But when I was about seven, Wilf let me go with him to the royal blacksmith. I was completely mesmerized by the process of making a sword. When my father came home for one of his visits, I told him I wanted to be a blacksmith. He wasn’t impressed. He told me that learning to use a weapon was a far better use of time than learning to make one. Because I wanted to please my father, I focused on training to become a soldier. That set me on the path to become a royal bodyguard, and I honestly can’t imagine a different career for me—especially because it brought me to Clare. But someday, I would love to wield a sword I forged with my own hands.

You are the youngest captain of the royal guard in Devendran history. When you became captain of Serene’s guards, were you intimidated?

Oh, absolutely. Not only was I new to the work, but I was the commanding officer to older, more experienced men. I quickly learned the importance of listening to their opinions, and to trust my own instincts. It’s the advice I would give to anyone who might be intimidated or unsure of themselves in a new position or situation.

Where do you go when you need advice?

The men I serve with have become some of the most important people in my life. Wilf, Cardon, and Venn are all people I trust to advise me. I also value Clare’s opinion so much. She’s a great listener, so she’s easy to turn to.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I’ve always imagined I’d settle down in Iden. I love the city, and Devendra. After the chaos of the last while, though, a remote cottage on the side of a mountain sounds very appealing. But honestly, as long as I’m with Clare, I’ll be happy anywhere.

What three words would you use to describe Clare?

Selfless. Brave. Kind.

What do you think is your best quality and why?

Dedication. When I commit to doing something, I will see it through, no matter what. It’s served me well in all areas of my life.

The Voices In My Head

Note: This was originally written as an author guest post for the Royal Rebel blog tour, and was first shared on @anenglishmajorsdilemma Instagram page.

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If you’ve read the Fate of Eyrnithia series, then you know the characters pretty well. But I thought it would be fun to give readers a look at how the Fate of Eyrinthia characters interact with me off the page.

These characters are so alive to me that they are distinct individuals in my head. They can interrupt my thoughts when I’m not even thinking about writing, because they just can’t wait to tell me a line of dialogue or a plot twist. And sometimes, it takes all I have in me to pry anything out of them.

Every character you see on the page has more layers, dreams, and history than will ever make it into the book. But today I’d like to share a glimpse of what it’s like for me to work with them. To do this, I’m going to answer a series of questions to give you a taste of what it’s like for me to have these voices in my head.

If nothing else, this post may be enough to get me committed to the nearest asylum. Enjoy!

Characters most likely to speak to me at inconvenient times (i.e. while I’m driving or in the shower):

Desfan definitely tops this list. He chimes in with a huge grin, without a hint of apology, and just starts telling me things. Lines of dialogue, a joke he wants to work in, a person he wants to meet. He rarely holds anything back, and he will often tell me things about Karim—which Karim doesn’t always appreciate.

Serene. She speaks to me in her own time, which means I can be there puzzling over things for a very long time without getting anywhere, then BOOM. Suddenly she’s very chatty, and I have to scramble to take notes.

Iris. When she has something to say to me, she just sweeps in and starts talking. It’s up to me to grab a piece of paper and start writing things down, because the Poison Queen isn’t going to repeat herself.

Characters who tend to wait patiently for my attention:

Grayson often lingers in the doorway, waiting until he can have my undivided attention. And when he disagrees with the direction I’m taking things, he will respectfully let me know.

Bennick is another who is very patient with me. He’s got a gentle soul, even though he can be so fierce. He wants everyone safe and taken care of. He usually waits for all the chatter in my head to fade before he speaks his mind.

Clare. She’s Bennick’s perfect match in every way, and I can hear it in how similar their voices are in my mind.

Characters that still have secrets from me:

Serene. That girl loves to keep an ace up her sleeve. I can’t tell you how many times I think, “I’ve really got to know this now, Serene.” And her response is usually a little smile and a, “Okay, here’s this much. The finer details can wait. Trust me.” It can be very annoying, but it’s also perfectly in character for her, so I can’t get too mad.

Liam. Though to be fair, he’s a spymaster, so that’s only to be expected.

Henri and Iris. I know so much about them, and yet there are some things I just don’t know, or can’t quite put my finger on. Let’s just say they don’t like to admit to everything they’ve done, so there are some shadows in their pasts.

Characters most likely to ignore me and the whole plan I carefully plotted:

Desfan. He plunges into things with a reckless abandon I don’t know how to handle sometimes. I just have to scramble to catch up, and I very much empathize with Karim.

Imara. She loves doing the unexpected, and yet everything she does also manages to feel perfectly in character. (Like befriending Grayson, for instance. Or finding herself drawn toward a certain prince of Mortise…) I’m not sure how she does it, but it makes for some interesting twists.

Iris and Henri. They go off script a lot, and it’s always disconcerting—and usually the end result is terrifying.

Liam. He tends to surprise me every time he opens his mouth, and I never know quite where he’s going to take a scene.

Characters most likely to make me snort-laugh while I’m writing:

Venn

Desfan

Imara

Zadir

Characters I knew almost everything about from the beginning, but I had to hold back things back because it wasn’t their time for the spotlight yet:

Mia. She obviously had a lot of secrets from the very beginning, but they don’t start coming out until later.

Cardon is another I knew very well, very quickly. He has been there since book 1, but we really don’t know a lot about him at this point, even though we saw a little more in Royal Captive. But don’t worry, we’re going to be learning a lot more about him in Royal Rebel!

Liam. Yes, I know he also keeps secrets from me, but I knew some very important things about him straightaway. He’s got a lot of layers, and we’ve only seen some of them at this point.

Skyer, Imara’s betrothed. We will be learning more about him soon, and that’s about all I can say about that.

Grandeur. Serene’s brother, and the heir to the throne of Devendra. We’ve been learning more about him lately, but there’s still more to learn.

Characters I always get excited to write:

Zadir. That Mortisian pirate is just a lot of fun to write.

Desfan. I never know what he’s going to do, but I know it’s going to be good—or at the very least, endearingly reckless, and probably funny.

Grayson. He just has a huge piece of my heart, and I think his storyline just gets better and better. The youngest prince of Ryden has a more important role in the fate of Eyrinthia than anyone could have guessed in the beginning of all this.

Scenes with Bennick and Clare. They’re just so lovely, and I love them together. Their dialogue always flows, and I love the energy between them.

Well, there you have it. Probably more weirdness than you bargained for when you started reading this post, but this a glimpse of the fun chaos that resides in my head.

Crown & Serpent Playlist

I'm so excited to be a stop on the Crown & Serpent blog tour today! To make sure you don't miss a stop, check out the schedule here: https://www.heatherfrost.com/post/crown-serpent-media-tour-schedule

For my stop on the tour, I've compiled a list of songs that remind me of scenes/moods in Crown & Serpent. They’re roughly in order of where I think they fit best in the story, and I have added some parenthetical track titles that may help readers place them in the story. I worked to avoid any spoilers, though if you've read any of the books from the main series, then you obviously know some things that happen to Iris and Henri in this novella :)

If I had to pick one song that captures Iris and this story as a whole, it's the last song on this list: Castle, by Halsey.

Listen to the playlist on Spotify or Amazon Music or see the full list with my track names below!

My December, Linkin Park

(Mourning)

Cough Syrup, Young The Giant

(Just One Year)

Words as Weapons, Birdy

(How The Nobles Fight)

Ship to Wreck, Florence + The Machine

(Time To Rant)

In The Air Tonight, Natalie Taylor

(First Ball)

Numb, Linkin Park

(Done Playing)

Yesterday Was Hard On All Of Us, Fink

(An Outing With The Prince)

Queen of Peace, Florence + The Machine

(“Did You Know I Used To Be Afraid Of Snakes?”)

Castle of Glass, Linkin Park

(Kell)

Fall, Ed Sheeran

(Henri Asks Iris a Question)

Stay, Lissie

(Fears and Decisions)

Way Down We Go, KALEO

(Final Ball)

Nothing Else Matters, Lissie

(Dance With A Prince)

Meet Me In The Mystery, Lissie

(Iris Answers Henri’s Question)

Castle, Halsey

(The Poison Queen)

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Learn more about Crown & Serpent and get your copy here: https://mybook.to/EWKdD6

All she wanted . . .

Seventeen-year-old Iris Winn loves her quiet life with her father, studying the poisons that fascinate them both. But after his sudden death, Iris is now the ward of her estranged aunt and uncle. In order to claim her inheritance, she must live in the capital city of Lenzen for one year. While there, she must attend parties, balls, and participate in every other vapid thing the elite of Ryden value. Iris doesn’t care about learning their rules or joining their ranks–her only goal is to endure the next year. Then she meets Prince Henri Kaelin.

Everything they demanded . . .

Every young woman in Lenzen wants Henri–except for Iris. Unfortunately, the prince only has eyes for her. The king has decreed that Henri must choose a bride before his birthday, and Iris is determined it won’t be her. Dodging a prince’s focused attention while placating her relatives and the rest of Ryden’s high society is exhausting–and more dangerous than Iris could have ever imagined. She is about to learn that not all games are innocent, and some smiles are more lethal than poison. Luckily, Iris is a quick study, and this is a game she is determined to win.

She would take it all.

Crown & Serpent Media Tour Schedule

I've teamed up with some amazing bookfluencers to bring you this tour to celebrate the launch of Crown & Serpent! Keep scrolling to find all the tour details and links.

A huge thank you to all the bloggers and reviewers who participated and made this tour possible!

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Haven't read the beginning of this YA fantasy romance series?

Learn about Royal Decoy here: https://www.heatherfrost.com/fate-of-eyrinthia-series

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WEDNESDAY, August 23

Darkest Sins - Review + Excerpt

https://darkestsinsblog.com/

@silviartsy on Instagram

Mads Fav Reads - Review + Author Guest Post

https://www.instagram.com/mads.fav.reads/

@mads.fav.reads on Instagram

Shauna's Book Reviews - Review + Author Interview

https://instagram.com/shaunasbookreviews?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

@shaunasbookreviews on Instagram

Batty's Mama - Review + Character Interview

https://battysmammareads.blogspot.com/

@cherumanalil on Instagram

Literary Time Out - Review + Excerpt

Literarytimeout.blogspot.com

@literarytimeout

THURSDAY, August 24

Singing Librarian Books - Review + Excerpt

https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/young-adult

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Bookz.For.You.2 - Review + Excerpt

https://www.instagram.com/books.for.you.2/

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Amy Green Books - Excerpt

https://www.instagram.com/amy_green_books/

@amy_green_books

Bookworm Lisa - Review + Excerpt

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com

@bookwormlisa on Instagram

FRIDAY, August 25

One Book More - Review + Bonus Scene

https://onebookmore.com/

@1bookmore on Instagram

Stars Books and Tea - Review + Excerpt

https://starsbooksandtea.com/

@starsbooksandtea on Instagram

Getting Your Read On - Review

https://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

@gettingyourreadon

A Lady and Her Literature - Review + Character Interview

https://www.instagram.com/a_lady_and_her_literature/

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Min Reads and Reviews - Review + Excerpt

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Why Not? Because I Said So - Review + Excerpt

https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

@ssdawn2002

------------------------

RETURN TO EYRINTHIA ON AUGUST 25th!

Grab your copy of Crown & Serpent here, or from your favorite bookseller:

https://mybook.to/EWKdD6

Add on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/151026346-crown-and-serpent

Add on Bookbub:

https://www.bookbub.com/books/crown-and-serpent-a-fate-of-eyrinthia-novella-by-heather-frost

All she wanted . . .

Seventeen-year-old Iris Winn loves her quiet life with her father, studying the poisons that fascinate them both. But after his sudden death, Iris is now the ward of her estranged aunt and uncle. In order to claim her inheritance, she must live in the capital city of Lenzen for one year. While there, she must attend parties, balls, and participate in every other vapid thing the elite of Ryden value. Iris doesn’t care about learning their rules or joining their ranks–her only goal is to endure the next year. Then she meets Prince Henri Kaelin.

Everything they demanded . . .

Every young woman in Lenzen wants Henri–except for Iris. Unfortunately, the prince only has eyes for her. The king has decreed that Henri must choose a bride before his birthday, and Iris is determined it won’t be her. Dodging a prince’s focused attention while placating her relatives and the rest of Ryden’s high society is exhausting–and more dangerous than Iris could have ever imagined. She is about to learn that not all games are innocent, and some smiles are more lethal than poison. Luckily, Iris is a quick study, and this is a game she is determined to win.

She would take it all.

***Crown & Serpent is a Fate of Eyrinthia prequel novella that’s actually the length of a novel. This villain origin story was released after Royal Rebel, but it can be read at any point in the series.***

Crown & Serpent - Read The Beginning

Can't wait for August 25th to start reading Crown & Serpent? Check out the blurb, prologue, and chapter 1 below!

All she wanted . . .

Seventeen-year-old Iris Winn loves her quiet life with her father, studying the poisons that fascinate them both. But after his sudden death, Iris is now the ward of her estranged aunt and uncle. In order to claim her inheritance, she must live in the capital city of Lenzen for one year. While there, she must attend parties, balls, and participate in every other vapid thing the elite of Ryden value. Iris doesn’t care about learning their rules or joining their ranks–her only goal is to endure the next year. Then she meets Prince Henri Kaelin.

Everything they demanded . . .

Every young woman in Lenzen wants Henri–except for Iris. Unfortunately, the prince only has eyes for her. The king has decreed that Henri must choose a bride before his birthday, and Iris is determined it won’t be her. Dodging a prince’s focused attention while placating her relatives and the rest of Ryden’s high society is exhausting–and more dangerous than Iris could have ever imagined. She is about to learn that not all games are innocent, and some smiles are more lethal than poison. Luckily, Iris is a quick study, and this is a game she is determined to win.

She would take it all. *** Crown & Serpent is a Fate of Eyrinthia prequel novella that’s actually the length of a novel. This villain origin story was released after Royal Rebel , but it can be read at any point in the series.***

-------

Prologue

Iris knelt in a puddle of blood and stared at her mother.

Verity Winn was most assuredly dead. Iris knew that, even though she was only six years old.

Blood wet her hands, and she couldn’t stop staring at the crimson stains. Scarlet trails followed the lines that crossed her palms, and the liquid oozed between her fingers. Turning her hands, Iris saw the blood had seeped into the creases around her fingernails.

She didn’t like the color.

A strangled gasp sounded at the open doorway. Iris’s head jerked up, and she saw her mother’s maid, Hilda. The woman’s hands flashed to cover her mouth, her eyes flooded with terror even though she hadn’t seen Verity’s body yet. Just Iris, covered in blood.

The maid swayed where she stood, a strange whine lodged in her throat.

Iris looked straight at Hilda, blinking once before she said, “My mother is dead.”

Hilda flinched. She stumbled forward and grasped the back of Verity’s favorite chair. It was aimed at the window, because Verity loved to see the world, though she rarely chose to join it.

“Mistress?” Hilda’s voice pitched, then became a choked cry. She was taking in the blood, which covered Verity’s arms, skirt, and the floor at her feet—where Iris knelt, holding the small knife that was likewise covered in blood.

Hilda’s gaze shifted to Iris, rising horror shining in her eyes. “Iris. What have you done?”

 

Chapter 1

Eleven Years Later

Iris picked at her white skirt, unhappy with how the fabric had settled over her crossed knee. She sat in the library because it carried the scent of her father more strongly than anywhere else in the house. The spice of his soap brought up images she knew she’d never forget; the crookedness of his timid smile, the smoke that curled around his head as he puffed his pipe in the evenings, the dirt that was always trapped under his fingernails no matter how well he washed.

Thelin Winn had loved the earth, and now he was buried in it. Somehow, that seemed right, even though everything else about her father’s death seemed horribly wrong.

He had died just over three weeks ago. Because of the unseasonably warm late spring, they had not been able to delay the burial, so only Iris had been present, along with the household staff. It was of little concern to Iris; her mother had no living relatives, and her father had just one brother, Sevlin Winn. He lived in Lenzen, and Iris had only met him once—after her mother’s death.

She was about to see him again, though, since her uncle was due any moment. She had sent him a letter to inform him of Thelin’s death. And though she had been quite clear that there was no need for Sevlin to come to Rew, he had sent word that he would come at once.

A book lay on the table beside Iris, but she did not pick it up. She didn’t have the concentration necessary to read about the poisons made from jungle plants in Zennor. As fascinating as the topic was, she couldn’t put aside the gnawing fear that curdled her stomach.

She didn’t like the emotion, and she had to remind herself that her father’s estate was hers. He had willed it to her years ago, and it could only be taken from her by a future husband. And since she never planned to marry, that wouldn’t be a problem. Of course, her relatives might try to take the estate from her, but Zev didn’t think they could do so unless they could prove her incapable of tending the estate. At seventeen years old, Iris knew she was still considered young, but she was more than capable of running things.

Still, she found herself praying to the fates. Please don’t let them try to take away my home.

The library door opened, and Zev poked his aging head inside. “My lady, they’ve arrived. Shall I show them in?”

“Yes, Zev. Thank you.”

The old steward dipped his chin and stepped back, allowing Iris a perfect view of her relatives.

First in the room was Sevlin. She had not seen her uncle since her mother’s funeral, eleven years ago. He looked very much like her father, though he was a bit thicker in build and had a rounded stomach. His dark hair nearly reached his shoulders, and he wore a well-fitted tunic in a very sensible shade of black.

The woman who trailed after him was not so sensibly dressed. She wore a bright yellow gown that made Iris’s eyes itch, and her copper hair was gathered high on her head with tendrils that framed her somewhat pinched face. Her lips were pink and pursed as she viewed the room—then her gaze landed on Iris, and the pinched look of her features intensified. “You’re Iris?” she asked.

Iris stood, gripping her hands in front of her. “I am. And you are my aunt Anora.”

“Indeed I am.” The woman’s gaze dragged over Iris, from her simple black braid to her dusty shoes, and lingering longer than necessary on her plain white dress. Her aunt’s lips twitched.

Sevlin shifted his feet against the worn carpet, his expression hesitant. “Do you remember me, Iris?”

She nodded once. “Yes. Hello, Uncle Sevlin.”

Anora Winn let out an irritated sigh. “Fates, we need tea. We had a dreadful journey.” She looked over her shoulder to find Zev hovering in the door. “Bring us tea at once, and sandwiches.”

The old servant glanced at Iris, who nodded, before he bowed toward Anora. “As you will, Lady Winn.”

Anora’s nose wrinkled as she watched Zev retreat. “What a lumbering old fool,” she muttered.

Iris stiffened. “My father valued him highly.”

“I’m sure he did.” Anora eyed the room. “This place has fallen into disrepair, hasn’t it? Fates, did Thelin not care for it at all?”

Before Iris could speak, Sevlin did—with a little more of an edge than Iris had expected from the otherwise quiet man. “Anora. Please.”

His wife’s jaw worked, but she held her tongue.

Sevlin stepped up to Iris, hesitated, then set a tentative hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for the burial. You shouldn’t have had to lay him to rest on your own. We came as soon as we could.”

Her heart cracked, and she had to shove aside all thoughts of her father. “It’s no matter. There’s nothing you could have done that I did not.”

Sevlin swallowed. “I suppose you’re right.” His hand dropped, and Iris breathed a little easier, even though he didn’t step back; she didn’t know this man, and she didn’t like having him touch her. “Your letter didn’t state how he died,” Sevlin said, his voice a little halting. “Did he . . . suffer?”

Dread curled up her spine. She didn’t want to tell the story again. She’d already told Zev, and thankfully he’d conveyed the story to everyone else. But she couldn’t rely on him in this moment—she needed to show nothing but confidence and competence to her relatives. “I’ll tell you everything, but may we sit?”

“Of course.” Sevlin stepped back quickly, giving Iris space to reclaim her seat. Anora dropped into a chair across from Iris, and Sevlin took a seat beside his wife.

Iris smoothed her skirt into place, her back straight. “The morning he died, we were working in the garden, as was usual for us. I left him for a brief moment to fetch a few more seedlings we wanted to plant. When I returned, he was on the ground.”

Her chest tightened, remembering the panic of that moment. Iris knew she didn’t feel emotions as strongly as other people; that had been proven countless times over the course of her life. It took something intense to make her feel, and seeing her father sprawled out on the gravel path had been earth-shattering.

“I screamed for help,” she continued, “but we were in the northeast corner, far from anyone. I felt his chest, but his heart wasn’t beating, and he wasn’t breathing.”

“Was he poisoned?” Anora asked, a morbid fascination in her eyes. “Fates knows he was a fool to love his poisonous garden so much.”

Iris stared at the woman. “My father was a genius. He did not accidentally ingest anything from the garden.”

Anora’s green eyes narrowed.

Sevlin set a stilling hand on his wife’s knee. “What happened next, Iris?” he prompted.

“I returned to the house and Zev summoned a physician. Of course, there was nothing the healer could do. He believes my father’s heart simply gave out.”

Sevlin’s eyes misted. “Fates, I . . . Somehow I always thought Thelin would outlive me. He’s older, but . . .” His words trailed off and he shook his head.

Irritation tickled the back of Iris’s throat. His display of emotion wasn’t truly earned; the man hadn’t visited his brother in years. True, Thelin had visited his brother whenever he journeyed to Lenzen, but her father hadn’t gone to the capital often. He preferred to stay home, away from the bustle of society. As did Iris.

She didn’t have much patience for people, and she preferred to keep her own company.

She cleared her throat. “I told you in my letter that you didn’t have to come.”

Sevlin blinked. “Of course we had to come. He is . . . was my brother.”

Anora patted her husband’s hand, which still rested on her knee. “Besides,” she said to Iris, “you’re our ward now. We have an obligation to care for you.”

“About that.” Iris shifted in her chair. “I’m seventeen years old. I don’t need supervision.”

“Of course you do! Don’t be absurd.” Anora huffed once. “You’re only a year older than our Lillin. Kell is a year older than you, but the fates know I would never trust him on his own. Besides, it’s not seemly for a young lady to live alone.”

“I wouldn’t be alone. I have the servants—”

“No,” Anora cut in. “They don’t count.” She glanced at Sevlin, but he remained silent. Her glare sharpened.

Her husband sighed. “Anora is right, Iris. You can’t live here on your own.”

“You won’t like it here,” Iris said at once. “There is no high society in Rew, and—”

“Fates save us,” Anora gasped. “You think we mean to live in this remote, horrible place? Absolutely not! You will come live with us in Lenzen.”

Iris’s stomach pitched. “No. I can’t leave. This is my home. My father’s garden, all his work—”

“The servants can tend things, I’m sure.” Anora lifted a slim hand when Iris opened her mouth again. “I’ll hear no arguments. You’re coming to Lenzen, and that’s final. I’ll see to your proper introduction to court and attempt to repair any damage your father’s reclusive lifestyle may have caused you. It won’t be easy, but I’m sure in time you’ll be accepted by the other noble families. And who knows, we might manage to find you a husband.”

“I don’t want a husband,” Iris said through clenched teeth. “And I certainly don’t care about being accepted by the court. I’m not leaving Rew.”

This is when Zev returned, a tray balanced in his age-spotted hands. The man hesitated on the edge of the rug, clearly feeling the tension in the room. “My lady, is everything all right?”

“Everything is fine,” Anora declared. “Leave the tray and be gone.”

Zev’s face tightened. He looked to Iris. “My lady?” he asked again, more firmly than before.

Anora sucked in an affronted breath.

Iris looked to the old servant. “You may leave the tray, Zev.”

The man did, though he moved stiffly. With a last look at Iris, Zev finally left.

“Well,” Anora breathed out. “I’ve never been so insulted.”

Keep on as you are, and that will change, Iris thought grimly as she stared at her aunt. “I’m not leaving Rew,” she restated.

“I don’t think you understand the situation,” Anora said. “While this house was left to you, you can only truly inherit it once you’re of age. As our charge, the estate currently belongs to Sevlin.”

Her uncle winced. “Anora . . .”

Iris barely registered his weak protest. Her heart tripped as she stared at her aunt. “That isn’t fair,” she said.

“Fair or not, it’s the way of things. And I won’t have anyone gossiping about us not taking care of our ward, so you’re not staying here on your own, like some rejected limb of the family. How would that make us look?” She shook her head, making her tight curls shake. “You will come live with us, and we will insert you into society.”

“I don’t want to join society.”

“Iris—”

“Perhaps we should strike a bargain,” Sevlin cut in, startling both women into momentary silence. He took advantage of that by nodding to his wife. “Anora is right, Iris. You can’t stay here on your own. It wouldn’t be seemly. People would talk, but more than that, you’re still young. You shouldn’t be burdened with running an estate of this size—at least not yet. So, I propose a compromise. Come to Lenzen for one year. If at the end of it you would like to return, you may do so. I will gladly sign away any claim to the estate so you can inherit it easily.” He took his wife’s hand. “Anora will help you to make a good entrance into society, so no one will gossip or worry that we aren’t caring for you. And who knows, you may find you like living in Lenzen.”

Doubtful, Iris thought. She gritted her teeth. “The estate is mine. My father left it to me.”

“He did,” Sevlin agreed readily. “And it is yours. No one is trying to take it from you. But you must understand, by law you are our ward, and we must fulfill our obligations.” A shadow rose in his eyes. “I was not here to help my brother all these years. Please . . . let me help you.”

Iris remained unmoved. “You can’t force me to go.”

“You have no choice,” Anora said simply. She glanced sidelong at Sevlin. “However, a year spent in Lenzen would be deemed enough by society, so long as you do everything I say and make a favorable impression. If you agree to one year, Iris, then I will agree to let you return here after that year. Do we have an understanding?”

Iris’s fingers clenched in her skirt. A dozen different poisons ran through her mind. So many ways to stop her aunt from controlling her. If she was caught, she would find herself in prison, possibly for the rest of her life. But if she went to Lenzen . . .

One year in Lenzen, and then she would be free.

She met her uncle’s gaze, because he irritated her less. “Very well. One year, and then I return to Rew—alone.”

Sevlin’s relief was obvious. Anora, however, did not relax.

That was all right, because neither did Iris.

********

Crown & Serpent is out August 25th!

Preorder on Kindle now:

https://mybook.to/EWKdD6

Add on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/151026346-crown-and-serpent

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Royal Rebel Read Chapter 3

It's time we saw chapter 3, don't you agree? (I didn't intend to rhyme, but here we are.)

Obviously, there are some major spoilers if you haven't finished Royal Captive. You've been warned.

And if you missed chapter 1 and chapter 2, you can read them with the links below.

https://www.heatherfrost.com/post/royal-rebel-read-chapter-1

https://www.heatherfrost.com/post/royal-rebel-read-chapter-2

----------------------------

Chapter 3

Clare

Clare woke slowly. Awareness seeped in as gradually as the morning light that crept around the pulled drapes of the room.

She was in her bedroom, which was attached to Serene’s suite. The room was small, but no part of the Mortisian palace was plain. Even this maid’s room was decorated with painted landscapes, fine linens, and soft rugs.

Murmuring voices drifted through the closed door. One sounded like Serene, though Clare couldn’t make out any specific words. A low but booming whisper—that was Wilf—was followed by a smooth, deep voice—Cardon.

Clare’s cheek pressed against her damp pillow. Her throat stung—both inside and out. The tears had made her throat raw, and the shallow cut from Michael’s blade ached. The Devendran rebel had tried to kill her, because he blamed her for Eliot’s death. Latif had killed Michael to defend her, and that still made her head spin.

Latif had been her abductor once, though he’d been blackmailed by Prince Liam Kaelin to do so. A prince who had also tried to kill her last night, though he’d thought she was Serene at the time. He’d ordered Latif to kill her, but Latif had only pretended to stab her. Fates, remembering that moment brought back every bruising ache on her body; she’d fallen down several stone steps in the prison when Liam had kicked her down the stairs. And none of that had been the worst part of last night.

Her eyes burned. Fates, she didn’t want to remember the worst part.

Warmth radiated at her back. The strong arm that draped over her waist kept her secure against a hard chest that rose and fell . . .

Bennick.

Clare’s breath caught, and memories from last night flared.

Miss Ellington, I regret to inform you of an unfortunate incident.

Her fingers had gone numb. She’d dropped Commander Markam’s letter.

It has been my task to check in with your brothers during your absence.

Bennick had grabbed her, his face pale and his eyes sparking with alarm.

On my most recent visit, I learned there had been a fire in Lower Iden. It destroyed most of the homes on your street—including yours. I’m afraid your brothers and their caretaker were inside, and there were no survivors.

Denial, sharp and fierce.

She could see Thomas and Mark—only thirteen and ten—smiling at her.

She had become the decoy for them. She had left them safe in Iden with a caretaker, and she’d recently asked for Serene’s help in bringing them to Duvan. They couldn’t be gone.

But they were.

She had no family left. She’d lost Eliot, and now . . .

She hadn’t realized she’d started crying until Bennick had gathered her into his arms. “I’m so sorry,” he’d whispered. “So, so, sorry . . .”

So many tears, then. Her body had shaken with them. Her breath broke with them.

There in the princess’s sitting room, Clare’s heart had shattered.

Bennick had pulled her onto his lap as he sat on the nearest chair. She buried her face in his neck, and her fingers clenched in his shirt. She sobbed until she thought her lungs would burst. Bennick had rubbed her back, his fingers skimming her spine, his other hand buried in her hair, keeping her pressed close. His strong arms were all that held her together.

When Serene, Cardon, and Wilf had entered, Bennick softly told them what had happened. Their shock and compassion were almost too much to bear, and Clare was grateful when they soon disappeared, leaving her alone with Bennick.

When her tears finally faltered due to exhaustion, he’d carried her to her room and laid her on the bed. She’d grabbed his wrist before he could fully straighten. “Don’t leave me,” she begged, her voice ravaged from all the tears she’d cried.

Bennick leaned in, his blue eyes intense as he stroked away the tears on her cheek. “Never.”

He hadn’t left.

He was still here, in her bed, holding her. Both of them were on their sides, her back to his chest. He was curled around her in a protective, comforting embrace. His low, even breaths stirred the loose strands of her hair, and one bent knee pressed against her leg. They both still wore their clothes from last night; Bennick had only removed their shoes and his weapons before he’d joined her.

This wasn’t the first time Bennick had held her through the night. On Syed Zadir’s ship, after a nightmare, he had offered the same comfort. That didn’t lessen the intimacy of this moment, though. Not just because of the physical reality of sharing a bed, but the vulnerability of sharing her grief with him.

She pulled in a slow, wavering breath. It was morning. The sun had risen, and her brothers were gone.

It seemed unreal. Wholly wrong.

Bennick’s breathing changed—thinned. He stirred, his arm pulling her even closer. His head angled, ducking until his stubbled jaw gently scraped against her cheek and his mouth pressed a tender kiss against her neck, just below her ear.

Warmth spread through her hollow chest, and her eyes burned.

“I love you,” he whispered, his voice rough with sleep.

The first words he gave to her, the morning after her world ended. She couldn’t think of a more perfect gift.

She slid her hand over his, which was flat against her stomach. She didn’t trust her voice, so she just pressed her hand against his, trying to ignore the slight crookedness of her fingers, which Salim had broken so many weeks ago.

Bennick pressed his forehead against the nape of her neck. Silence grew, but it wasn’t empty.

Beyond the bedroom door, the voices grew louder. The outer door of the suite opened and shut, and silence once again descended.

Bennick’s thumb moved in slow, soothing circles against the soft material of her dress. She never wanted him to stop. She never wanted to move from his arms. But this moment couldn’t last forever.

“I need to prepare for the coronation,” she whispered, her voice thin and scratchy.

Bennick’s hold tightened. “You don’t have to go. Serene said last night that she’d go herself. You can take all the time you need.”

She didn’t remember Serene saying that, but she certainly believed the princess had. Even though Serene didn’t always show her true self to the world, the princess of Devendra was fiercely protective and remarkably kind.

“Even if I don’t go,” Clare said, “you need to.”

Serene was down two royal guards; Dirk had been killed during Ryden’s attack at the betrothal signing, and Venn was still missing. He and Vera had parted from Bennick and Wilf in Krid, a city in northern Mortise. They should have arrived at the palace before Bennick, Clare, and Wilf had—but they hadn’t. She prayed to the fates Venn and Vera were all right. She couldn’t lose anyone else.

“The coronation isn’t until this afternoon,” Bennick said quietly. “I don’t need to go anywhere yet.”

They both knew that wasn’t necessarily true. After the three-fold attack last night, there had been chaos in the Mortisian palace. Clare could only imagine that chaos was still being felt this morning.

Her thoughts flickered to Imara, who had been stabbed in the leg. Fates. She’d been so consumed in her own grief, she’d almost forgotten that. Hopefully Serene had been there for her cousin during the night.

“The coronation may not even happen today,” Bennick said. “From a security standpoint, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to delay.”

Silence stretched once more. Bennick’s love for her was a warmth that settled all around her. It gave her peace when all she wanted to do was scream.

Her lower lip trembled. “How long?” she asked, her voice cracking.

He knew what she was asking. His arm flexed as he drew her impossibly closer. “With the fastest messenger, it would have taken at least three weeks for the letter to make it here.”

Thomas and Mark had been dead for more than three weeks.

Her stomach pitched, and she blinked as her vision blurred. “I should have known,” she rasped.

Bennick made a soothing sound in his throat as his lips brushed the back of her neck. “You couldn’t have known, Clare. Don’t invite more pain.”

Her lungs seared with the pressure of holding back tears. “I don’t know what to do.”

She couldn’t even bury her brothers, because they’d turned to ash. Her baby brothers were gone, and she was in an entirely different kingdom.

Bennick kissed her shoulder, keeping her tethered despite the storm that was trying to tear her apart. “You don’t have to do anything, Clare.”

***

They remained on the bed for nearly an hour before Clare asked, “What will everyone think of you spending the night in here?”

“They’ll think I care about you.”

She frowned a little. “You don’t sound concerned.”

“I’m not.”

“We’re supposed to keep this a secret.”

“I know.” Bennick’s thumb was still tracing circles, though his hand had shifted so the soothing pattern was drawn against her side. “But all the bodyguards already know.”

She jerked in his arms. “They do?”

He only tucked her closer. “It’s fine. Apparently they guessed the truth before we even left Iden. They won’t betray us. They know I’m still dedicated to protecting Serene.”

He sounded so calm, her anxiety settled a little. “We still need to be careful. What about Serene, or Bridget?”

“After last night, they’ve probably guessed, if they hadn’t already figured it out.”

She craned her head around so she could eye him. “If the king finds out, you could lose your position.” Or his life, if Newlan decided to interpret Bennick’s actions as treasonous. Technically, King Newlan owned her; she’d pledged her life to him in her service as the decoy. Until she died, she was nothing more than Newlan’s servant. Now that he couldn’t threaten her brothers, there really wasn’t any punishment she feared—except what he might do to Bennick.

“He’s in Iden,” Bennick said. “And if word did make it back to him . . . I’m not sure how much I care anymore.”

That made her stomach tighten. Before she could express her concerns, there was a soft knock on the door.

Bennick kissed her cheek, then gently rolled away. He rose on the other side of the bed and crossed the small room to the door.

He opened it only a crack, but Wilf’s gravelly voice traveled easily. “Is she still sleeping?”

“No, but she’s resting.”

Wilf grunted. “I asked Bridget to order food for her.”

“Thank you.”

“Cardon and I can attend to everything. You stay with her. She shouldn’t be alone.”

There was an undercurrent of old grief in Wilf’s words, and Clare’s broken heart fractured a little more. Wilf had lost his wife years ago, and he’d mourned her deeply—and not always well. He’d drunk to excess, gambled away most of his coin, and lost his position as captain of Prince Grandeur’s bodyguards.

“I won’t leave her,” Bennick said, assurance in every word.

Clare pushed up from the bed and walked with bare feet to join him at the door. Bennick watched her, something like caution in his gaze, but he opened the door a little wider so she could see Wilf.

The giant towered over them. It looked like he hadn’t slept much, either. There were wrinkles in his uniform, and his pox-scarred face was hard. His eyes, when they met hers, went soft. “I’m sorry for your loss, Clare.”

She dipped her chin. It was the only acknowledgement she could afford at the moment. “Is the coronation still happening?”

Wilf frowned. “I haven’t heard anything official yet, but everyone seems to be proceeding as if it is.”

Bennick glanced at her. “You’re not going.”

She knew she wasn’t up to pretending to be Serene right now, so she didn’t push that. But she did hold his gaze as she said, “You need to be there. Serene needs all of you.” Bennick’s mouth opened, but she overrode him. “It will ease my mind to know you’re with her. Please, Bennick.”

He didn’t look pleased, but he nodded.

Clare pulled in a deliberate breath. “I would also like a moment to change, and I think you should do the same.”

Bennick hesitated.

Wilf rumbled, “I’ll stay at her door.”

Bennick finally gave in with a sigh. “All right.” He hesitated, then reached out and squeezed Clare’s hand. “I’ll return soon,” he promised. Then he was gone, leaving the princess’s suite for his own room, which was located down the hall.

Clare missed him instantly.

Wilf rubbed the back of his neck. “Is there anything I can do?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. But thank you.”

He hesitated, then pulled her into his arms for a tight embrace. “You’ve been landed far too many blows, my little defender,” he whispered roughly. “Don’t ever feel like you need to weather them on your own. You’ve still got a family. You have all of us.”

His words hit deeply, because she knew he spoke from personal experience. She squeezed him as tightly as she could. “Thank you, Wilf.”

In response, he kissed the top of her head.

----------------------------

Royal Rebel releases on April 21st

Pre-order now!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRPRPPQ1

Hardcover pre-order links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Rebel-Eyrinthia-Heather-Frost/dp/1959122029/ref

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/royal-rebel-heather-frost/1143183858

Indie Bound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/royal-rebel-heather-frost/19841715?ean=9781959122029

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And don't forget to claim your pre-order gift: an EXCLUSIVE short story:

THE PRINCESS AND THE NEW BODYGUARD

Serene knows things have been strained between her parents since the civil war ended. She hopes a trip to Lambern Lake will bring her family back together. What she doesn’t expect is to grow closer to her new bodyguard, Cardon.

Serene is about to learn that one day can irrevocably change the course of a life.

Here's the gift form: https://forms.gle/M3CPw3Y6RaLLChdw6

Royal Rebel Blog Tour Schedule

I've teamed up with so many amazing bookfluencers to bring you this tour to celebrate the launch of Royal Rebel!

Keep scrolling to find all the tour details and links, as well as buy links for the books and the pre-order gift sign-up!

A huge thank you to all the bloggers and reviewers

who participated and made this tour possible!

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Haven't read the beginning of this YA fantasy romance series?

Learn about Royal Decoy here: https://www.heatherfrost.com/fate-of-eyrinthia-series

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MONDAY, April 17

Bookz.For.You.2 - Book Review + Excerpt: https://www.instagram.com/books.for.you.2/

@books.for.you.2 on Instagram

Jeanine Reed - Book Review: https://www.instagram.com/jeaninetaniece/

@jeaninetaniece on Instagram

Literary Time Out - Book Review + Excerpt: https://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

@Literarytimeout on Facebook and Instagram

TUESDAY, April 18

An English Major's Dilemma - Book Review + Author Guest Post: https://www.instagram.com/anenglishmajorsdilemma/

@anenglishmajorsdilemma on Instagram

Books Read By Tracy - Book Review: https://www.instagram.com/booksreadbytracy/

@booksreadbytracy on Instagram

Thind Books - Book Review + Author Interview: https://thindbooks.wordpress.com/

@thindbooks on Instagram

WEDNESDAY, April 19

Batty's Mama - Book Review + Character Interview (Imara): https://www.instagram.com/cherumanalil/

@cherumanalil on Instagram

Bookworm Lisa - Book Review + Excerpt: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com

@bookwormlisa on Instagram

Darkest Sins - Author Guest Post: https://darkestsinsblog.com/

@silviartsy on Instagram

One Book More - Book Review + Excerpt: https://onebookmore.com/

@1bookmore on Instagram

THURSDAY, April 20

A Lady and Her Literature - Book Review + Character Interview: https://www.instagram.com/a_lady_and_her_literature/

@a_lady_and_her_literature on Instagram

Books Less Travelled - Book Review + Author Interview: https://bookslesstravelledreviews.wordpress.com/

@bookslesstravelled on Instagram

Laura Miller - Book Review: https://www.instagram.com/Loulasjoys/

@loulasjoys on Instagram

Singing Librarian Books - Book Review + Excerpt: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

@singinglibrarianbooks on Instagram

FRIDAY, April 21

Getting Your Read On - Book Review + Character Interview (Grayson): https://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

@gettingyourreadon

M. H. Woodscourt - Book Review: https://www.instagram.com/woodscourtbooks/

@woodscourtbooks

Min Reads and Reviews - Book Review + Excerpt: https://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

@minreads15 on Instagram

On Review By Sara - Book Review + Author Interview: www.onreviewbysara.com

@onreviewbysara on Instagram

Stars Books and Tea - Book Review + Author Guest Post: https://starsbooksandtea.com/

@starsbooksandtea on Instagram

Why Not? Because I Said So - Book Review + Excerpt: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

@ssdawn2002

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RETURN TO EYRINTHIA ON APRIL 21!

Grab your copy here, or from your favorite bookseller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRPRPPQ1

Pre-order Royal Rebel and get an EXCLUSIVE short story!

(Details below!)

Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/83144096-royal-rebel

Add on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/royal-rebel-fate-of-eyrinthia-book-4-by-heather-frost

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PRE-ORDER GIFT DETAILS

Preorder Royal Rebel and get your exclusive Fate of Eyrinthia short story!

About the Story:

Serene knows things have been strained between her parents since the civil war ended. She hopes a trip to Lambern Lake will bring her family back together. What she doesn’t expect is to grow closer to her new bodyguard, Cardon. Serene is about to learn that one day can irrevocably change the course of a life.

To get your pre-order gift, simply preorder Royal Rebel in any format, take a screenshot of your receipt, and fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/M3CPw3Y6RaLLChdw6