Isabelle Saint-Michael's Blog, page 5

Awkward Planning

My parents sat across from Hudraer and I at one of the large tables in the great hall. “I can’t wait to see you get bound here at the castle,” my father spoke up.

My mother, Lady Jura, spun on her seat to face him. “Here? What do you mean here? She is my daughter and Hue’s Soul Mate, they should be bound at the Nest,” she argued.

“She’s an Elven Princess. It is her duty to be bound publicly so that her people can see her mate and recognize Hue as a member of the royal family.” My father smiled softly but his tone was firm. Hue cleared his throat. “Actually, I was thinking we would host the rite at the Nest as well.”

I lowered my head to rest on in the table while the three argued about the location of the binding ceremony. I sighed deeply but it seemed to go on without notice… mostly.

What’s wrong? Ian asked.

They are arguing about where to hold the binding ceremony, I explained.

I think Hue wants it at the Nest. It would make sense as he is a Dragon and you are half Dragon. Ian was silent for a moment. Where do you want it?

Honestly? I asked

Of course. I would know if you weren’t honest anyway.

I don’t care, I told him.

Ian went back to being silent. Being bound to someone you love is the greatest feeling in the world. Have you changed your mind about Hudraer?

No, of course not. I love Hue. Something just doesn’t feel right, ya know? 

I do. Like as much as you love someone there is just some small part missing, he explained.

Yes, exactly, I confirmed.

It was like that with my first mate. Ian’s laugh echoed in my head. I loved her, I did, and I would have rather it have been me that died that day. It still doesn’t change the feeling that something wasn’t there that should have been.

It was like that with my first husband, I told him.

Are you two done? Hue cut in. My head shot up and I looked at him. He grinned the way a mischievous little boy would. “I was just telling your parents that I think we should let you choose where to have the binding ceremony.”

I blinked at Hue a few times then turned to face my parents. “What about Tarell?” I offered.

Everyone looked back at me. Jura took my hand. “That’s not really a possibility. The magic needed is difficult to control there,” she explained.

“You’re a powerful high priestess. Are you telling me you can’t handle the magic as it works in Tarell?” I asked.

She shook her head. “Have you ever noticed that you are more powerful in other realms than there?”

“Not really. There’s been no difference in my powers in any of the realms I have been to so far.” Jura and Hue exchanged looks.

“None at all?” Hue asked.

None, both I and Ian responded to him.

I huffed and rested my chin on a hand. “Seriously, if none of you are going to listen to what I want, then why don’t the three of you plan it?”

Leonide was the one to try and calm the water. “Alizeyah, we just want to make you happy. Having someone like you turn out to be a Soul Mate is rare and exciting. It means a lot, not just to us, but to the people who will look to you for guidance in the future. The Nest, the court here, Tarell, wherever you choose, whatever you choose, we will support your decision.”

Just tell them what you want and let them be the ones to figure it out, Ian offered. I could tell Hue was less than thrilled that the Wolf was encouraging me to not make all the decisions.

“Fine. I want a ceremony on the beach in Drakemoore, under the moon. The one near the portal. I want lanterns, starlight, Fairy Silk, music from Tarell and food from there as well. Big silk tents, orchids and ivy, and the people I most care about. You can invite whoever you like but you need to secure a glamour from Mab because I am not getting bound without my Human family. Anything beyond all that you can figure out yourselves,” I said firmly. They all stared at me as I turned on my chair. “Now, if any of you need me, I’m going to go stab something with a sword.” I left the table rather proud of myself.

Hue chased after me and put an arm around my shoulders. “Was that so hard?” he asked.

Yes.

I think you did well. Parents can be overwhelming when it comes to binding ceremonies, Ian told me.

Hue pulled me to a stop. Did you both pick up the part where Jura mentioned Vallen’s been bound to a Fae?

“What?!” I was so shocked I spoke out loud. Oh, I so don’t want to be the one to tell Dani.

Both Hue and Ian agreed.

Tour schedule is now available

Originally posted on Isabelle Saint-Michael:

As promised, here is the link to the Bewitching Book Tours schedule. Visit the different blogs daily for your chance to win free e-Books and a shot at the grand prize $25 (US) Amazon Gift Card.

July 13 Guest Blog

Fang-tastic Books

www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

July 13 Spotlight

Roxanne’s Realm

www.roxannerhoads.com

July 14 Spotlight

Dark Side of Romance

www.darksideofromance.com

July 15 Spotlight

Zenny’s Awesome Book Reviews

https://zennysawesomebookreviews.wordpress.com/

July 16 Spotlight

Daniela Ark

http://www.danielaark.com

July 17 Spotlight

IndieWritersReview

https://indiewritersreview.wordpress.com/

July 20 Guest blog and Review

Illuminite Caliginosus

http://darkwriter67.wordpress.com

July 21 Interview

Robyn Bachar: Author

http://therobyn.blogspot.com/

July 22 Spotlight

The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom

www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com

July 23 Guest blog

Inner Goddess

http://www.InnerGoddessForum.com

July 24 Interview

Books and Tales:

http://booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/

July 24 Spotlight and review

Books and Warpaint

http://www.booksandwarpaint.com

July 27 Guest Blog/Top Ten

Natural Bri – Pursuits of Life

www.naturalbri.com

July 27 Guest Blog

ParaYourNormal

http://parayournormal.wordpress.com

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Welcome to Rome (Dani’s POV)

Dear Kat,

I think I made a mistake. If you don’t hear from me in the next few weeks, please come to the rescue. They might have eaten me. To say that Oliver’s family is intense would be the understatement of the year. His sisters keep giving me dirty looks, his mother is critical of everything I do, and his grandmother keeps looking at me and licking her lips. Tonight at dinner I was lectured about how Oliver has gotten so thin because I am obviously not feeding him. He’s 6’2″ and 210. There is nothing about him wasting away. He cooks and I feed him from my own vein. What more do these women want?

His mother asked if I would be willing to cut my hair to pull off a more posh look. I thought posh was British and the woman threatened my hair. MY HAIR, KAT! All I can say is if she comes near me with scissors I’m staking the bitch while she sleeps during the day. I can’t really tell Oliver that his mom is psycho… can I? I mean, he’s sort of a mama’s boy. Wish me luck. I’m going to try shampooing my hair in garlic in hopes his mother will be too afraid to touch it (not really).

Refusing to cut my hair (it’s my hair, dammit!),

Dani

Last Day in Tuscany (Dani’s POV)

Dear Sheldon,

I’m writing you on my last day in Tuscany. I really hope you haven’t caused too much trouble for Geren while I’ve been away. Oliver has made arrangements to have four cases of wine shipped back to Seoul. I realize the drink does nothing to excite you, but I believe that the boxes/crates will. They are beautiful and I think I can build a nifty cat hotel with them. Being here where everyone is so crafty and in touch with their roots has made me want to build and make things with my hands. Of course, it could all go horribly wrong, and when that happens I will purchase the carpet climber you wanted.

Oliver has been acting a little funny the last few days. I think the stress of going to see his family is starting to catch up with him. He’s been drinking more blood than usual the last two nights. I think he may be stress eating. My Fae blood seems to be allowing me heal all right, but it’s a little concerning. I’ve ordered a bottle brought out for the night so he can be at full strength for all the traveling tomorrow. In the morning before sunrise we will be heading out to a train station so we can travel to Rome. I won’t lie, I’m a little scared.

Nervously missing you,

Dani

Book Tours, e-Book Giveaways, and $25 GC… Oh My!

As I mentioned in an earlier post on the Isabelle Blog, next week kicks off my blog tour hosted by Bewitching Book Tours. There will be e-book giveaways and a chance to win a $25 Gift Cert for Amazon, B&N, or Kobo. Check in everyday to increase your chance to win! ( I know, I know. “Isabelle, I didn’t know you had a personal blog.” No worries my darling Otherworlders, it’s fairly new.)

A Deep Need (Reader Beware 18+)

I listened carefully as Aiden briefed me on all that had happened while we were away. It would seem that Avery has been gathering a large group of thugs, mainly in the northern part of the kingdom near the Everwood forest. I thought about that for a moment. “I thought the Everwood forest was in Vesaria?” I asked.

“It is,” Aiden said, rolling his eyes. “It is also in Everbloom, Drakemoore, Braedeen, and Maven.” I started to ask and he shook his head. “For whatever reason, all of the realms have used the name, but I’m speaking about our kingdom and realm. The Everwood forest lies to the north and separates a number of villages and towns.”

“I see,” I told him. He had followed Hue and I up the stairs to my chambers and we were all standing outside the door. “Did we make any progress on the Werewolf murders?”

“I can comfortably say it was Avery,” he told me.

“OK, then we need to send a group after her up to the woods.” I was getting a little frustrated with his lack of commitment to our kingdom’s safety.

“I don’t believe she is in Everbloom, just a bunch of her troops,” he said. “I’m taking part of the forces and riding out to look for her. I believe she has been hopping between here and Vesaria of late.”

“They’re my troops, I can ride them out,” I declared, hoping not to be stuck babysitting the kingdom again.

“No, you have other chores to take care of.” He grinned.

“Like what?” I asked, taking the bait.

“Planning a royal bonding ceremony for one. Figuring out how to get back into the good graces of your Nest for another.” Aiden gave me a brotherly squeeze. “You can lead an army with the best of them, but you need to work on the diplomatic side more.” With that, he pushed open the door to my chambers and stepped aside before leaving.

I sighed heavily, following Hue into the room, then watched as he closed the door. Hue turned to look at me with serious eyes. “You know he’s right.”

“Yeah, I know. Diplomacy is something I struggle with from time to time,” I said with a shrug.

Hue started stalking towards me like a lean jungle cat. “I don’t care about your diplomacy right now.” He grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it off over his head before tossing it to the floor. “I’ve seen you be diplomatic when it counts.” His limp was barely noticeable as he approached. I began backing away from him only to stop when my butt collided with the bed. With another few strides he was there in front of me, inches away. He reached out and captured the back of my head with his hand and pulled me in for a kiss.

His kiss was deep and hungry. His other hand came to rest on my lower back, pressing me tighter against him. I bit his lower lip playfully and all it did was excite him more. He broke the kiss and lifted his head. His hands found the hem of my top and tugged it off, then made short work of my bra. I shuddered as his hand possessively claimed my breast, causing the peak to tighten under his touch. I gasped at the sensation. He grinned wickedly at me then gave me a shove, causing me to fall back onto the bed. I watched as he unfastened his pants, kicked off his boots and shed the rest of his clothing. Then he climbed on the bed and straddled my knees. “Hue, aren’t you tired?” I asked with concern.

He shook his head. “Nope, I’m hungry.”

“Well then we can go down to the kitchen and get you something to eat,” I offered.

“I’m not hungry for food,” he corrected.

“Oh,” I said. I watched with fascination as he leaned down and unfastened my jeans before dragging them off, and my panties with them. He tossed them to the side of the bed then sat back on his heels and inspected me.

“I realize I just spent a week watching you walk around in nothing at all, but right now it’s different. You are here, with me. Just me.” He leaned down and ran his hands along my hips. The smile on his face broadened as he lowered his head and captured the tip of one of my breasts in his mouth. I groaned and closed my eyes. Oh, how I had missed the feeling of his hands on my body. His hands caressed me and I buried mine in his hair, urging him to come let me kiss him some more. His mouth traveled the distance from my breast, up to my collar bone, then along my neck before finally giving me what I wanted. I opened wider to him and ran my tongue over his until he moaned and pulled me even tighter against him.

“Hue,” I whispered. I stopped myself from saying anything else before I over thought the moment. The memories of how I had missed him when he was gone came rushing back, and in that moment I wanted nothing more than to join with him. His hand urged my legs apart before he settled between them. Expertly he stroked my core, causing me to hiss and moan against his mouth. He toyed with me, changing his pace from fast to slow. He would take me just to the edge then pull me back until I was panting and disoriented, unable to even kiss him coherently. “Hue, now please,” I begged.

He chuckled. “I do love the sound of my name on your lips. Especially when you are asking me so sweetly to claim you.” He leaned back and sat on his heels. I pouted up at him as he watched the play of emotions on my face as he toyed with me with one hand, while the other lovingly caressed my hipbone.

I moaned loudly and was about to climax when he changed his pace again, pulling me back from the edge. I almost kicked him. “Now?” I all but whimpered.

He nodded. “Turn around,” he whispered. Without hesitation I turned to obey his request. He pulled on my hips, lifting me to my knees. He urged me back while I straddled his thighs. His hand came to rest on the sensitive spot just above my core and he continued to caress it while he seated me on his manhood, filling and stretching me. I growled in pleasure as he stroked into me, starting slowly. With his mouth near my ear he whispered to me: “You feel better than the afterlife.” With those words he all but took possession of my body. I screamed out while he pushed me over the edge first with his fingertips.

I felt weak as he drove into me faster and harder with each thrust. His hand on my hip controlled my movement while the other stroked my body, playing me like a well-tuned instrument. When finally I couldn’t take any more I screamed again and moaned my release. All the muscles within me tightened. Hue folded his arm around my waist, holding me tightly against him, and bit down on my shoulder. I cried out with release again and this time he joined me. We sat there for a moment panting, his arms hugging me tightly. I fought hard to regain my breath as Hue muzzled the nape of my neck. I giggled. “What’s so funny?” he asked.

“The biting was new. This whole experience is a side of you I haven’t seen before.” I told him with a grin.

In the back of my mind it reminded me of passionate nights with Ian but I wanted to focus on Hue. It was in that moment I felt both of them. Shit, I thought to myself. This has all gotten too complicated. 

Hue was frozen. I’m sorry, he told me. Only, I wasn’t sure he was saying it to me.

“Well this is all going to take some getting used to,” I thought and said out loud.

Ian responded with, Indeed.

Under the Tuscan Moon (Dani’s POV)

Dear Kat,

With the threat of his cousins hanging around until the weekend, Oliver and I decided it was better to head down to Tuscany early. Oh no, whatever will I do? Four nights with my incredibly handsome hunk in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. I can’t remember a time when I last saw so many stars in the sky. We’re staying in this small villa that belongs to an aunt who spends most of the year in France. He assures me it sounds more glamorous than it is.

Side note: We really need to come back here when you start writing again. The supply of wine here is first class and I suspect it never stops flowing. That being said, the internet speed is less than stellar when you have been spoiled by the tech in Seoul.

Oliver’s aunt has an amazing library of books. Some of them are easily five hundred years old. I’ve decided when you get your own castle, we need a library of at least this quality if not better. I know you have made a home for yourself in other realms but really, I can’t help but think you are destined for a castle here in Tarell. A huge room with a fireplace for the kitties to sleep in front of and all the walls lined with rows of books.

Off to drink until my Mosquito must carry me to bed,

Dani

Cousins 1 (Dani’s POV)

Dear Kat,

Today was… interesting. We had a candlelit dinner planned, but that changed when a couple of Oliver’s cousins showed up at the house. Joseph and Angelina came by to meet me. That’s right, me. It would seem that the entire family is under the impression that I am “the one.” Oliver looked horrified when they started recounting embarrassing stories from his youth. Apparently his fangs didn’t grow in correctly and he had to wear braces for three years because of it. I can’t help but think he would be adorable with braces on his fangs.

Instead of a romantic dinner, we went to mass. I can now answer the earlier question of can Vampires enter holy ground. The answer is yes. Not only that, it would seem that one of the local priests is a member of the Vampire Family. Not Oliver’s direct bloodline, but they would fall under the protection of his family. After church we went to dinner where I sat through another long round of prayers. I wouldn’t mind so much if I understood the language well enough. I wish with all the kissing we did that I had been able to magically learn Italian.

Dinner was super. There was fresh bread and lots of summer vegetables. Seriously, I don’t know why everyone here isn’t fat. All I want to do is eat… constantly. Well, I have been up all night and watched a beautiful sunrise with my Italian Mosquito. It’s time for bed.

Lots of Love,

Dani

First Glimpse (Dani’s POV)

 

Dear Kat,

Oliver has maids! Two of them and they do everything. They have made the beds, washed the dishes, cleaned and folded my clothes and made me meals when all I was looking for was a cookie. If this is what it’s like for you as a Princess, sign me up! It was very strange at first, just like living with Oliver, but now it seems like second nature. Oliver has said if I enjoy it that much he could look into getting one for us in Seoul. I’m not sure we need one for our tiny place, but someone to come wash dishes and clean a few times a month would be really nice.

Despite what I first said about coming here I am very much enjoying it. There is so much history and culture at every turn! We have decided to add a few more stops to the trip. This weekend we are going to spend a few days in Tuscany. Then after we finish with family business in Rome we are going to Venice. I remember you saying that Venice wasn’t your favorite, but Oliver has assured me that we will have a lot of fun. It’s been really neat seeing him in Italy. When he speaks Italian it makes me a little weak in the knees.

Since the only color clothes I managed to pack were black, we have decided to go shopping. I thought that black would be highly appropriate for a funeral and visiting a family of Vampires. It would seem it isn’t. The street of Milan are beautiful at night just after the sun sets and the lights all pop on. Can’t wait to see you and show you all the new clothes and shoes I’ve bought.

Love,

Dani

The Princess and the Magistrate

I sat across the desk from Marthailain. He flipped through a number of files on his laptop while Tessa and I played motionless statues. Finally he sighed and looked over the top of the screen at me. “Your agreement with the OAC was made prior to you becoming the Princess of Everbloom,” he started.

“It was made before I knew I was Princess of Everbloom. There is a difference. I was born a Princess. The OAC can’t change that,” I argued.

His gaze narrowed. “The position of Magistrate is a huge honor for someone like you,” he countered. “We are willing to shorten your required years of service to ten,” he offered.

I looked at Tessa, who was watching the entire exchange with no obvious emotion. “Of course, I could just discuss with my uncle and brother what qualifies as treason. I’m sure knowingly putting a Princess in danger carries some sort of punishment.”

The Dark Elf paled noticeably. “I didn’t know that your first mission involved Romijeer. I would never have sent you out if I had known.”

“See, here is the problem. When I found out who my mother is, nobody told me my father was a king. I sort of understand Alathea’s reasoning. She was trying to protect me. I have a very hard time believing that an organization as powerful as the OAC didn’t know though. So, either they aren’t as powerful as they think they are, in which case I’m needed back in my own kingdom. Or, somebody knew and willfully kept it from me. It put me and a number of other people I care about in harm’s way. If the latter is the case, then action needs to be taken.” I leaned back in the chair and crossed my arms.

Marthailain broke eye contact and started rearranging the papers on his desk. “I can’t speak for the higher ups, what they say and do is beyond my control…”

“Bullshit!” I said, leaning forward and slamming a hand down on his desk. “You and I both know you sit on the board of elders. Are the elders incompetent or corrupt? Which is it?” I pressed.

He closed his laptop and pinched the bridge of his nose. “What do you want from me?” he finally asked.

“The truth.”

Breathing a heavy sigh, he opened a desk drawer and removed a flask, taking a quick drink. When he had returned it to its resting spot and closed the drawer, he finally met my gaze again. “Yes, some of us knew who you were. There was also the chance that because you grew up Human here on Tarell, you would never awaken. Why cause mass panic and hysteria until we knew what we were working with?”

“I don’t understand,” I bit out, trying to keep my anger in check.

He held up his hands in defeat. “We didn’t know who you were at first, but once it was revealed you were Lady Jura’s daughter I knew you were a Princess. However, with Everbloom sealed and everyone believing that Leonide was dead, it didn’t seem like an important detail.” He was obviously uncomfortable with giving me the information.

“I see. Well, let me tell you how this is going to work then.” I pinned him with my gaze. “First, I will honor my contract on my own terms. The contract will be shortened to ten years. I will not live in Tarell full time as I have responsibilities to both Everbloom and Drakemoore. Second, you will give me permission to deputize people as I see fit and add them to payroll. Since I can’t be in two places at the same time, let alone three, it is a needed expense. Finally, I will have the right to shut down any operation that I see as unsafe for my deputies and pass it on to the enforcer squad who are specially trained to deal with such predicaments. Can you accept those terms?” I asked.

He looked doubtful but ultimately conceded with a nod. “I will take care of updating the contract,” he told me. “Will you be in Seoul long enough for me to have it couriered over?”

“Yep. Hue and I will be here a few days before heading back to Everbloom. Also, please let the appropriate people here know that I have decided to hire Tessa here as a deputy. She may be running errands for me.” Tessa looked at me, startled. I smiled at her and reached out to pat her on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, it’s mostly so that the OAC has to provide for you.” She relaxed under my touch.

Tessa looked at Marthailain. “I’ll have my paperwork prepared and will send it back with the courier when he comes with Princess Alizeyah’s contract.” The Dark Elf agreed.

I stood, preparing to leave, Tessa following closely behind. Marthailain cleared his throat. “One last thing,” he said. I looked back at him over my shoulder. “Aside from the fact you broke Draconic Law. Is it true you now have two Soul Mates?”

I shrugged. “It has yet to be determined,” I told him, then left.