Monday's Tidbit

Holy tumoly! It's Monday again!  I have to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who went and got their free books and those who helped spread the word. You all made this weekend a phenomenal one. :)
For this week's tidbit, I thought I'd do an excerpt from Chael's Luck.  Chael is up for Best YA Cover of 2012 on Goodreads right now, so if you have a minute, go show it some love HERE.
Have a great week, everyone, and stay safe!
:)  Mireille


“Sir Chael.”
I jumped at the voice behind me.  The princess giggled.
“Princess Katheryn.”  I bowed to her and acknowledged her parents before offering my arm.  She looped hers through mine and we walked until we reached the large doors that led into the great hall.  The knights at the doors stood at attention and saluted the king.  General Krane’s voice boomed over all of the conversations in progress.
“Ladies and gentlemen! His Majesty, King Galahad, Queen Margaret, and Princess Katheryn who is accompanied by our newest Shadow Knight, Sir Chael.”
I spotted my father and couldn’t help but smile at the pride he was obviously feeling.  My uncle and aunt stood by his side.  Princess Katheryn gave a small tug on my arm and smiled up at me.  What in the world had made her want me to win?  Of all the knights she could have wanted to escort her, there were many that were more suitable.  Knights were supposed to be tall, thick, and strong.  Though I was about three inches taller than her, I was a good half a foot shorter than the next shortest knight in my group.  And thick?  I’d never be mistaken for thick.  I had inherited my mother’s slight bone structure and couldn’t put on an ounce of muscle had I thrown logs twenty hours a day.
I followed the king to the head table, pulled out the princess’ chair, and sat beside her.  I looked to the table where Harry, Hal, Mac, and the rest of the newly appointed knights sat.  I noticed Caleb was absent.
“Do you know what happened to Caleb, your majesty?”
The princess nodded.  “My father dismissed him from the knighthood.  He is no longer welcome here at the castle.”  She took a sip of her wine.  “It was decided he did not possess the honor needed to be of service on this guard.”
I tried to feel a bit of sympathy toward the man that had made it his life’s ambition to make my life hell, but couldn’t.  I took a drink of my ale and took a deep breath to savor the aromas of the feast being put down in front of us.  I spent most of the time answering questions for the princess, from anything to do with my childhood adventures to what I planned to do in the future.
“Well, I plan on staying on as a knight.”  I frowned, not sure what she was trying to say.
“Has your father found a match for you yet?”
I tried not to choke on the mouthful I had started to swallow.
“Um, no.  Quite frankly, I haven’t really thought of the possibility of taking on a, uh, wife.”
“Surely you plan on having a son to carry on the family tradition.”
This time I pretended to choke so I could excuse myself.  I could feel her gaze on my back as I went out for some fresh air.  I heard the band strike up the first song and the sound of dancers moving along to the music.
“Are you alright?”  Katheryn’s small hand touched my arm.
I smiled.  “I am.  I’m not one to enjoy being in a room filled with people.  I’m mostly comfortable off in the woods on the back of my horse.”
She grinned and moved closer.  “I thought maybe I was the one making you uncomfortable.”
I took a step back and found myself pressed against the railing.
She frowned.  “Do you find me attractive, Chael?”
I felt the blood rise into my face.  “Of course, your majesty.”
Her frown relaxed.  “Can you explain to me then, why it is you look ready to jump over this railing even though you know you’re two stories up?”
“Your majesty?”
“Katheryn.”  She took another step closer.  I tried to look relaxed as her knee touched mine and she placed her hand on my waist.
“I want you to kiss me, Chael.”
“Katheryn?”
“I’m asking you to kiss me.”
“But…”
“I could order you to do it.”
I looked around, hoping to see another person so I could use that as an excuse not to.  “Princess…”
“Katheryn.”
“Katheryn.”  I gazed into her dark eyes and forced myself to forget everything that was racing through my mind.  “You are a beautiful, independent, and obviously strong willed woman…”  I grinned as she tried to hide the smile the complement brought to her lips.  “I just…”
“You’re wondering why you?”
“I’m not the only one wondering.”
“You’re a man of honor, Chael.  You’ve spend years proving yourself.  You’re brave, skilled, and you care about your fellow knights.”  She smiled.  “There are many women who have watched and are interested, Chael.  You just don’t seem to notice.”  She laughed at my frown.  “Some women want big, strong men.  I prefer mine to have brains over brawn.  Honor trumps muscles any day in my books.”  She stood on her tip toes.  “Now, does that answer your question?”
Her lips brushed against mine and I nodded, held her face in my hands, and pressed my lips to hers lightly.